title: Lasting impact: understanding the psychosocial implications of cancer among military veterans.
abstract: This qualitative study aimed to identify Veterans' perceptions of how cancer affects their life following treatment, particularly in relation to treatment side effects and identity as a cancer survivor. A diverse sample of 35 Veteran cancer survivors participated in semistructured, individual interviews. Thematic analysis revealed the enduring impact of diagnosis and chronic uncertainty regarding recurrence, psychological side effects that were periodic and typically self-managed, and physical side effects as common, but considered an acceptable trade-off for increased chances of survival. Perceptions of the term cancer survivor varied considerably among participants. Implications for survivorship wellness and care planning are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs Center for Integrated Healthcare, Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA. gregory.beehler@va.gov
authors.forename: Gregory P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Beehler
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Morgan A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kay
authors.forename: Marc T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Kiviniemi
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Steinbrenner
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012933:Social Identification; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data