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Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing
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*Cancer
*Cancer--Living with Cancer
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On Receiving the Diagnosis of Cancer: The Adolescent Perspective

Kristin Stegenga, PhD, RN

Hematology/ Oncology Division at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Missouri, kstegenga{at}cmh.edu

Peggy Ward-Smith, PhD, RN

School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City

The adolescent life stage encompasses unique developmental challenges. Little is known about the experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis during this already demanding life stage. The aim of this study is to explore the lived experience of being diagnosed with cancer from the perspective of the adolescent. A phenomenological approach is used to perform semistructured interviews with 10 adolescents who have been diagnosed with cancer within the previous 4 to 6 months. Colaizzi's method of analysis is used to allow themes to emerge from these data. Six themes capture the essence of being diagnosed with cancer from the perspective of the adolescent: (1) the stunning loss of normalcy, (2) gaining information, (3) the importance of friends and their reactions, (4) getting used to it, (5) giving back, and (6) family support. The results of this study provide an emerging understanding of the unique perspective of the adolescent with cancer. Understanding this perspective is critical to meet the needs of this population.

Key Words: adolescent • cancer • phenomenology

This version was published on March 1, 2009

Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, Vol. 26, No. 2, 75-80 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1043454208328767
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