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Ingalill Rahm Hallberg

Ingalill Rahm Hallberg

Professor emerita

Ingalill Rahm Hallberg

Being given a cancer diagnosis in old age: A phenomenological study.

Author

  • Bente Appel Esbensen
  • Christine E Swane
  • Ingalill Rahm Hallberg
  • Bibbi Thomé

Summary, in English

Objectives



The aim of the study was to illuminate the lived experience of being given a cancer diagnosis in old age.

Background



Little research has been done on the experience of elderly people developing cancer and the impact of the illness on their lives. Such knowledge is needed to support elderly people in dealing with issues arising after cancer is diagnosed.

Design



A descriptive phenomenological method was used to investigate the phenomenon “the lived experience of being given a cancer diagnosis in old age”.

Participants



In total, 16 persons (aged 65+, mean age 76, range 68–83) with cancer were interviewed, all referred to the same oncology outpatient clinic in Copenhagen County.

Method



Open-ended interviews were used to get a clear understanding of the experience of a cancer diagnosis in old age. Giorgi's phenomenological analysis was used.

Findings



The findings showed that the essential meaning of the lived experience was “Illness as a turning point marking old age”. This main essence was represented overall by three essences: “Illness means losing control”, “Disturbing the family balance” and “Life and death suddenly apparent”. These three essences were manifested through seven constituents: growing old in the context of illness, becoming a patient with cancer, everyday life being controlled by bodily limitations, managing family reactions, becoming conscious about dying and death through illness experience and retaining hope, and enjoying life.

Conclusion



It is important in clinical practice, to identify the specific meaning the turning point has for an elderly person with cancer, and to understand the particular approach he or she uses to handle the awareness of being old.

Department/s

  • Department of Health Sciences

Publishing year

2008

Language

English

Pages

393-405

Publication/Series

International Journal of Nursing Studies

Volume

45

Issue

3

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Nursing

Keywords

  • Nursing care
  • Phenomenology
  • Giorgi
  • Cancer
  • Elderly
  • Lived experience

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1873-491X