Experiencing cancer

This book takes a detailed look at the experience of treatment for cancer by exploring the accounts of a group of cancer patients. The focus of the book is on the quality of life in treatment, and the ways in which the processes of becoming diagnosed and being treated affect it. Open communication within and good management of the individual patient's treatment calendar are seen to be central to good quality of life in treatment. These issues are discussed in the book with reference to the interview material and located within the literature on psychosocial issues and cancer. 'Treatment' is seen to be a social process, the day-to-day of treatment routines providing both supportive and draining experiences and challenges. Problems and areas for improvement within treatment contexts are dealt with. Experiencing Cancer will be of use to students of health and social care with an interest in chronic illness, death and dying. It is also of direct relevance to the everyday practice of doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors and psychologists working with the chronically ill, the dying and their families.