title: 'It gets into your head as well as your body': The experiences of patients with cancer during oncology treatment with curative intent.
abstract: This study explored the psychosocial experiences of patients with cancer during the course of oncology treatment with curative intent. Our aim was to gather in-depth insights into the shared elements of oncology treatment across a range of cancer types. A total of 10 individuals undergoing oncology treatment participated in semi-structured interviews. Six themes were identified using interpretative phenomenological analysis: diminished well-being, perceived role changes in intimate relationships, heightened awareness of limited time, a new order of priorities, taking things as they come and development of trust in health professionals. These themes indicate relevant areas of patients' well-being, which might be enhanced through psychosocial support services.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Otago, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Bruno E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Aldaz
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Otago, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Gareth J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Treharne
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Otago, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Otago, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Tamlin S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Conner
authors.affiliation: 2 Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Perez
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: cancer patients; experiences; interpretative phenomenological analysis; oncology treatment; psychosocial support