Searching: the lived experience of women with cancer of the vulva.
Although the physical adverse effects following surgery for vulval cancer may readily be described, little is known about the psychological, emotional, and social impact. A review of the literature revealed a paucity of studies, as this condition is rare. To explore the lived experiences of women in the United Kingdom with vulval cancer, a qualitative research study was undertaken using the research methodology of interpretive phenomenology, based on the work of Heidegger (The Essence of Human Freedom. London: Continuum; 2005) and van Manen (Researching Lived Experience. Human Science for an Action Sensitive Pedagogy. New York: State University of New York Press; 1990). Thirteen women younger than 50 years were interviewed between 6 months and 5 years after their surgery, and the data were analyzed using framework analysis (Qualitative data analysis for applied policy research. In: Analysing Qualitative Data. London: Routledge; 1994:173-194). This article describes how the concept of searching emerged from the data. It also describes the manner in which the women searched to control their symptoms by their own efforts and by undergoing surgery. The search to understand the truth about their condition and their access to information in the search for meaning and the time element in which this was undertaken was also raised. An underlying consideration is the need for health professionals to help provide the information and support needed to manage this condition.
Jefferies
Hilary
H
Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom. Hilary.jefferies@bwhct.nhs.uk
Clifford
Collette
C
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D015399:Nursing Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012934:Social Isolation; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*