title: Living With Cancer Alone? The Experiences of Singles Diagnosed With Colorectal Cancer.
abstract: This paper seeks to understand the experiences of single colorectal cancer patients. This study consisted of 12 semi-structured interviews that were digitally voice-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Six main themes emerged: (a) gradual shift in view of cancer diagnosis from fatalistic to normalized, (b) perception of cancer as a nadir experience, (c) concerns of singlehood, (d) factors influencing cancer experiences, (e) factors influencing coping with cancer, and (f) range of responses towards cancer diagnosis. Singles with colorectal cancer require short- to long-term individualized care plans, and psycho-emotional support. This may help enhance their individual coping and adjustment to the diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Medical Social Services , Singapore General Hospital , Singapore.
authors.forename: Pei Yi
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Loi Carol
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Tien Tau
authors.forename: Ow Yong
authors.initials: OY
authors.lastname: Lai Meng
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012846:Singapore; D012847:Single Person / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: cancer; fatalistic; meaning; nadir; singlehood