The lived experience of adjustment to prostate cancer

Alexander Farrington, Gemma Wilson, Helen Limbrick, Katherine Swainston

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Abstract

This study aimed to explore the lived experience of adjustment to prostate cancer following diagnosis. A qualitative, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach was utilised. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. A purposive sampling method recruited 8 participants from a North East of England based, patient-led prostate cancer support group. Participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer and had received a range of treatments. Participants ranged from 59-80 years of age, (mean age = 69), and time since diagnosis ranged from 13 months to 8 years. Data were analysed in accordance with an IPA approach. Four themes were generated: ‘Living with Uncertainty/PSA test worry’; ‘Renegotiating Masculinity’; ‘The Prostate Champion’ and ‘Humour’. Themes were related in their dynamic nature, which involved participants actively negotiating the adjustment process. The findings highlight the complex nature of the adjustment process to prostate cancer and provides in-depth insight into the barriers and facilitators participants experienced.
Original languageEnglish
JournalPsychology of Men and Masculinity
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 21 Jul 2019

Bibliographical note

© 2019, American Psychological Association. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the final, authoritative version of the article. Please do not copy or cite without authors' permission. The final article will be available, upon publication, via its DOI: 10.1037/men0000237

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