Negative and Positive Consequences of Cancer Treatment Experienced by Long-term Osteosarcoma Survivors: A Qualitative Study.
BACKGROUND
Our study aimed to explore how survivors of osteosarcoma of the lower extremity experience physical and psychosocial late effects several years after undergoing arduous treatment. A qualitative, phenomenological and hermeneutic approach was applied.


METHODS
Osteosarcoma survivors (n=8) previously treated at the Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, participated in the study. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.


RESULTS
Three to ten years after diagnosis, the majority of participants had experienced both negative and positive consequences following treatment. Changes in activity and exclusion from participation in different areas were the most challenging consequences. Several of their experiences are similar to those described by people with disabilities.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to understand osteosarcoma survivors' own experiences in order to assist those who struggle to reorient in life and to construct a new identity for themselves.
Department of Oncology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway lena.fauske@ous-hf.no.
Lena
L
Fauske
Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Hilde
H
Bondevik
Department of Oncology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Øyvind S
ØS
Bruland
School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, U.K.
Gozde
G
Ozakinci
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D013548:Sweden; D055815:Young Adult
Bone cancer; cancer survivors; disability; osteosarcoma; post-traumatic growth; qualitative