| dc.description.abstract | Background: Over the last decades, improvements in cancer treatment have led to increased survivability. However, survival does not equal fully cured. Many survivors experience a number of late effects including physical and psychosocial challenges following cancer treatment. Such late effects can have a major impact on survivors´ daily lives. This project thesis aims to explore the following questions: According to Norwegian qualitative research, what characterizes the lives of cancer survivors? And what kind of late effects are commonly present in this literature? Methods: The content data in this thesis is based on research articles from the databases Medline and Embase. The search used the keywords “cancer survivors” and “Norway”. Additionally, I received articles from my supervisors, which were also included. 11 relevant studies were identified. Based on an analysis of the selected articles, I chose to highlight the following core themes: Fatigue, sexuality and fertility, emotional reactions, and post-traumatic growth. Results: The majority of the participants in the chosen eleven studies reported experiencing a changed and altered life due to the late effects. For many survivors, fatigue had a significant impact on their life. It affected their time with family and friends, their work situation and their self-esteem. Similarly, sexual problems and infertility have been burdensome late effects for several survivors. Further, there was discussion of the psychological reactions that follow after treatment, such as loneliness, identity problems, changed social roles, stigmatization and worries about cancer recurrence. Complementary, several articles emphasized a post-traumatic growth including psychosocial maturity and positive perspectives on life and the future. Conclusion: The number of cancer survivors is expected to increase. Therefore, more research and knowledge are required in order to facilitate a better communication process concerning the various late effects in a way that benefits those concerned. The primary contribution in this thesis is to increase the understanding of what cancer survivorship entails, not only for individuals, but also for society at large and the healthcare system in the future. | nob |