Stories of cancer pain: a historical perspective

Winslow, M., Seymour, J. and Clark, D. (2005) Stories of cancer pain: a historical perspective. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 29(1), pp. 22-31. (doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2004.08.005)

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Abstract

This article considers published accounts by people with personal experience of cancer, and cancer pain, from 1945 to the present. These firsthand stories communicate deeply personal truths and understandings—and this is their value. Narratives of cancer can inform and support others with the disease and contribute meaningful knowledge to health professionals about the subjective experience of living with cancer and cancer pain. They also highlight where improvements can be made in health care and serve as a platform from which patients may criticize, expose, petition, support, share, challenge, and call for autonomy. A cancer diagnosis can rupture the life of the person who receives it, but as this article illustrates, inscribing the words of a narrative and revealing experiences to a public audience can bring meaning to a life event which might otherwise be viewed as meaningless.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Clark, Professor David
Authors: Winslow, M., Seymour, J., and Clark, D.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
Journal Name:Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
Publisher:Elsevier Inc.
ISSN:1873-6513
ISSN (Online):0885-3924
Published Online:13 January 2005

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