Abstract

This article explores the relationship between cancer survivors’ use of self-management practices and their search for normality.

Using Frank’s illness narratives and other theoretical literature on normality in chronic illness, it draws on findings from a qualitative study to explore different ways cancer survivors use self-management practices to re-establish normality in their lives post-cancer.

The findings suggest that “normality” represents different things to cancer survivors.

We suggest that normality in survivorship is not a static concept but is fluid, and at certain times, cancer survivors may display some or all of these different versions of normality.

The findings show that self-management practices can help cancer survivors experiment with different health and lifestyle processes to help support their “normal” daily lifestyle activities, quality of life, and well-being.

Citations

Catherine Henshall, Sheila Greenfield, and Nicola Gale. The Role of Self-Management Practices as Mechanisms for Re-Establishing Normality in Cancer Survivors. Qual Health Res. 2017 Mar;27(4):520-533

Sponsorship: This study was supported by The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)

URI: https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/orka/title/the-role-of-self-management-practices-as-mechanisms-for-re-establishing-normality-in-cancer-survivors/