Background
Reading about the experiences of others is an important and common way for cancer patients and survivors to gather information and support. Many survivors seek out personal narratives regarding the consequences of cancer, how others have interpreted the meaning of this experience, their reflections and coping strategies. These stories may help normalise experience, empower others and promote resilience. In 2012, Meg Rynderman a cancer survivor and volunteer with the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC) documented her own cancer journey, experiences and reflections for others to read. ACSC sought to develop further stories.
Aim
To develop a series of cancer survivor stories, which aim to capture the physical, emotional, social and financial consequences of cancer treatment, capture the meaning of this experience, and personal reflections.
Method
In 2013 ACSC sought to capture the stories of a range of survivors. A number of survivors were approached and their consent was sought to participate in a face to face consumer-led interview (with MR). An interview framework was developed following multidisciplinary consultation. Open-ended questions explored survivors’ experiences during and after treatment. Personal narratives were reviewed by a multidisciplinary group, professionally edited, and reviewed and verified by the cancer survivor. Survivors provided consent for ACSC to publish their story, together with photographs, and distribute the story electronically and in print. Stories were produced in 4-page A4 portable document format (PDF).
Discussion
To date six stories have been developed and more than 1250 copies have been distributed in hard copy via the Australian Cancer Survivorship and Information Centre at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and through other Victorian cancer services. Survivor stories are available at http://www.petermac.org/stories-people-impacted-cancer. Informal feedback suggests that they represent an important resource for survivors, family members and caregivers. ACSC plans to develop further stories.