title: Invisibility: the lived experience of women with cancer of the vulva.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study describes an exploration of the lived experience of 13 British women with cancer of the vulva who underwent surgical treatment. A review of the literature highlighted a paucity of knowledge as many studies were conducted during the 1980s and 1990s and investigated sexual functioning only.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  An interpretive phenomenological approach based on the work of Heidegger and van Manen was used to frame the study by posing the question, "What must it be like to be diagnosed with, and have surgery for a cancer of the vulva?"
  
  
  METHODS
  The women, younger than 50 years, were identified by purposive sampling and interviewed between 6 months and 5 years after surgery. The data were analyzed using framework analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The women's lived experience is described in its entirety by the concept of invisibility, characterized as something "no one can see," "heard of," and "talks about."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The impact of this invisibility is discussed as the "invisibility of understanding" and "invisibility of support."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although many women may expect to be cured of their vulval cancer, the invisible nature of the condition and the resulting lack of understanding and support may continue for a considerable period, as every aspect of their everyday life and in their relationships may be affected. The challenge now is to raise awareness of this condition and provide greater informational and emotional support for these women.
authors: School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, England, UK. dandhjefferies@uwclub.net
authors: Hilary
authors: H
authors: Jefferies
authors: Collette
authors: C
authors: Clifford
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery