Page 129 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2024. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih / Health of Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo ▪︎ Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press

Experiences of cancer rehabilitation: a qualitative analysis of patients‘
personal stories

1
1
Almin Kljajić , Blaž Andlovec , Sabina Ličen , Mirko Prosen 2
2
1 Izola General Hospital, Izola, Slovenia
2 University of Primorska Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
Introduction: Cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body.
There are several types of cancer, all of which can cause a number of physical, cogni-
tive and psychological problems that reduce functional ability and quality of life. In this
context, rehabilitation helps people to become as independent as possible in every-
day activities and enables them to participate in education, work, recreation and im-
portant life roles. The purpose of the research was to examine the experiences of pa-
tients after cancer from the point of view of returning to everyday life.
Methods: The research was based on a qualitative descriptive method. Data were col-
lected through individual, semi-structured interviews. The purposive sample included
6 women between the ages of 48 and 69 who had survived breast cancer and complet-
ed rehabilitation. We obtained the sample on the basis of personal acquaintances and
through the association Evropa Donna. The interviews were conducted via the Zoom
online platform and live, with a pre-prepared interview guide. Data were analyzed us-
ing the content analysis method.
Results: Four thematic groups were identified that describe experiences with rehabil-
itation after cancer: (1) personal experience with comprehensive rehabilitation after
cancer, (2) cancer detection and treatment, (3) returning to the social environment af-
ter treatment, (4) the working environment and the impact of the disease on profes-
sional life and career. The results showed different opinions and experiences with re-
habilitation and returning to everyday life. The disease had a strong impact on their
psychophysical well-being and quality of life. Family, friends and colleagues played an
important role in treatment and rehabilitation. Returning to the social and working en-
vironment did not pose any obstacles for them, they were particularly well received in
the working environment by their colleagues. Some interviewees had adjusted work-
ing hours.
Discussion and conclusions: The study, which looked at the experiences of women with
cancer, shows findings on the course of the disease, treatment and rehabilitation. The problemi, izzivi in priložnosti na področju zdravja ... | concerns, challenges and opportunities in the health ...
results show a range of reactions to the diagnosis of the disease, including shock and a
feeling that this was the worst thing that had ever happened to them. The survey re-
vealed an emphasis on physical activity, as interviewees felt that this had helped them
a lot in coping with their illness, with exercise in nature and yoga being the most fre-
quently highlighted. Cancer is a difficult disease that can have a profound impact on
quality of life, but empathy, compassion and good relationships in the surrounding en-
vironment can make a significant contribution to facilitating treatment and rehabilita-
tion.
Keywords: psychophysical well-being, return to the social environment, treatment,
quality of life

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