Men’s experiences of living with melanoma: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

This study explores men’s subjective lived experiences of melanoma. An interpretative phenomenological approach was employed using in-depth semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation. Six men took photographs to illustrate their lived experiences. These images were discussed and interpreted by the men during the interview process. Four themes were developed from data analysis: waiting and uncertainty, “melanoia”, the physicality of melanoma, and positive re-framing and altered time perspective. Physical, psychological and social impacts were identified within men’s accounts of their experiences which influenced illness experience. Photo-elicitation was noted by both the researchers and the men participating as having benefits during the interview process. Men also described therapeutic benefits of this tool by providing a focus for reflection.