MY STUDY IS FINISHED [Nov 26 2008]

Finally... after 12 months of planning, research and committment my study is complete. I would like to share the results of my study, 'The Lived Experience of Young Adults with Cancer (aged 25-44 years) in Australia" here in this blog.

Statement of Results: The Lived Experience of Cancer and Young Adults (aged 25 - 44 years) in Australia

This phenomenological study described the impact that cancer had on the lives of thirteen young adults with cancer (YACs), to provide new knowledge and understanding about the issues that affect this population, and to help inform and shape appropriate cancer-care support services for this age group. There were a broad range of personal factors that defined the experience of cancer for a YA. In some cases, the immediate and long term implications were related to the severity and varied backgrounds in the biological factors of their cancer, yet in others, it was indicative of unrelated and more elusive factors. Two main areas of discussion emerged which enabled the development of two essential themes* for YACs:

1. Personal experiences.

2. Conjoined experiences.

A personal experience includes aspects such as the way a YAC uniquely characterises and feels about their cancer and the manner in which they choose to place it within their lifeworld. This area is related to issues of 'themselves' such as the fear and emotions felt when diagnosed, how a YAC views their life and surroundings, and how the values for a YAC might change after having cancer. A conjoined experience on the other hand suggested the way that cancer may alter existing relationships for the YAC, or the way in which new connections formed as a result of having cancer. It is this second theme that sets young adults apart from children, adolescents and older people with cancer, as for example, with the fact that YACs tend to have extended relationships and interactions with other people such as partners and work relationships. In addition to these main themes, a number of sub themes were identified.

For the personal experience, there were three subthemes that emerged:

(1) Impact: cancer has an immediate effect on the YAC as a person;

(2) World View: cancer affects the way a YAC chooses to view their world; and

(3) Self Expression: having cancer exposes needs, wants and desires for a YAC.

For the conjoined experience the subthemes are divided two ways:

(1) Current links: the relationships already existing in a YAC's life are altered in some way; and

(2) New links: new connections form as a result of having cancer as a young adult.

*It is important to note even though there are clear, well-defined overarching themes and subthemes, there is a vast amount of overlap and interrelated components between these.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I welcome any of your comments and thoughts.

Nikki