The Cessation of Cancer Treatment as a Crisis

Abstract

Although it is commonly acknowledged that a diagnosis of cancer can be a form of a crisis precipitating a period of disequilibrium, few researchers have examined the psychosocial issues associated with the completion of adjuvant cancer treatment. This exploratory study examines the responses of women in a community-based cancer support group to an open-ended question asking them to describe their experiences since their treatment ended. Subjects were asked to respond to whether they felt the loss of the “safety net” of treatment had caused them any type of distress. The narrative responses of the subjects support the notion that the period after treatment ceases may be viewed as a crisis that brings with it anxiety and uncertainty. The results of this study reinforce the need for additional research to better understand the issue so that services and programs can be enhanced to better meet patients' needs. Additionally, the results suggest that social workers may play a crucial role in helping women make the transition from cancer “patient” to cancer “survivor.”