title: Loss, adaptation and new directions: The impact of arm morbidity on leisure activities following breast cancer.
abstract: The impact of arm morbidity on leisure and quality of life is an understudied area in cancer survivorship. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively describe the impact of breast cancer-related arm morbidity on leisure participation in Canadian women. A grounded theory approach was used to generate thematic categories and a model. Drawing on participants from a larger cohort study (n = 740), 40 women with arm morbidity symptoms were purposively sampled and interviewed. Three themes emerged: a sense of loss, adapting participation, and new directions. Women with arm morbidity may experience an abrupt loss of previously enjoyed leisure activities and engage in a process of adapting to discover new meanings and directions. Comprehensive, person-centred cancer survivorship programs may assist with adaptation to arm morbidity.
authors.forename: Roanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Thomas F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Hack
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Quinlan
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tatemichi
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Towers
authors.forename: Winkle
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kwan
authors.forename: Baukje
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Miedema
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tilley
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hamoline
authors.forename: Tricia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011998:Recreation