Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/109803
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dc.contributor.advisorDelfabbro, Paul Howard-
dc.contributor.advisorDenson, Linley Alice-
dc.contributor.authorCheung, Sze Yan-
dc.date.issued2017-
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/109803-
dc.description.abstractWith the increasing length of cancer survivorship, a rising number of clinicians and researchers are turning their focus to the long-term outcomes or side effects of cancer and its treatments, including the impact on an individual’s identity – which is defined as an individual’s self-construal that is inclusive of how one construes oneself in the present, past and future (Weinreich, 2003). The aims of the research project presented in this thesis were (1) to examine the understandings of individuals with cancer and the community for cancer identities (and in particular the “survivor” identity); and (2) to investigate media representations of individuals diagnosed with cancer that may not only affect the formation of cancer identities in these individuals, but also influence public perceptions and policies. To address these aims, four independent but related studies were conducted. Study 1 addressed the first aim through a systematic review of 24 independent studies, consolidating the current literature about the understanding and endorsement of various cancer identities, in particular the “cancer survivor” identity, in individuals diagnosed with cancer. Analysis of these studies revealed that though “cancer survivor” is a widely accepted term, not everyone diagnosed with the disease would take on the label. Study 2 presented the findings of an online survey that examined lay understandings of cancer identities and survivorship in a sample of 263 crowdsourced adult residents of United States of America (USA) who self-reported not having been diagnosed with cancer. The term “cancer survivor” was mostly viewed as an individual who has beaten cancer, is cancer-free and/or is in remission, an understanding resembling that of individuals diagnosed with cancer rather than reflecting the views of health professionals. Only 57.4% of the respondents considered someone who is 5 years in remission to be a “cancer survivor” and some felt that the term was unnecessary or unhelpful. Study 3 addressed the second aim in a sample of Australian print newspapers published in 2015; Study 4 explored the possibility of cultural differences whereby the Australian study was replicated, using a selection of Singaporean newspapers, which allowed for cross-national cultural comparisons. In both countries, certain cancers were over-represented in the media whereas others were under-reported. The most common portrayal of an individual diagnosed with cancer was that of a female adult under the age of 50 and diagnosed with breast cancer. Although psychosocial issues were the second most frequently mentioned sequelae of cancer, cancer identity issues were not as frequently reported (n = 9 [Australia]; n = 2 [Singapore]). In line with the findings of Study 1, individuals with a cancer diagnosis reported having a lack of cancer identity or refusing to consider the cancer experience as being central to their lives. The “cancer survivor” identity was mostly used by journalists to describe people who have finished treatment, have survived cancer, or are in remission, and also used to describe those who are carrying out cancer-related activities such as fundraising or advocating for better care of those currently undergoing treatment. As hypothesised, Singaporean newspapers had significantly more human interest stories than Australian newspapers, possibly reflecting the greater collectivism of Singaporean culture. In conclusion, this research project highlighted the different understanding of cancer identities within two different populations (individuals with cancer and lay people), an understanding that was reflected in the media studies but not shared by advocacy groups or policymakers. With the term “cancer survivor” being shown not to be endorsed by everyone diagnosed with cancer, the various sectors involved in cancer care should take caution when using it – or use alternative terms that are more sensitive and acceptable. The mismatches between print media depictions of cancer and the actual statistics, and the under- or over-representation of certain cancers, demonstrated the need for accurate dissemination of information from researchers and health professionals to the public when using the media. Future research conducted in non-English speaking countries will be helpful to extend the current findings, because they might have a different understanding for the term “cancer survivor” and/or use other more culturally-accepted terms, and the way cancer and the individuals diagnosed with it are presented in the media will give an indication of public perceptions in those countries.en
dc.subjectcancer survivoren
dc.subjectcancer survivorshipen
dc.subjectcancer identityen
dc.subjectmass mediaen
dc.subjectmedia coverageen
dc.subjectcontent analysisen
dc.subjectsystematic reviewen
dc.subjectResearch by Publication-
dc.titleCancer and identity: an exploration of people’s understanding of cancer identities and their mass media representationsen
dc.typeThesesen
dc.contributor.schoolSchool of Psychologyen
dc.provenanceThis electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legalsen
dc.description.dissertationThesis (Ph.D.) (Research by Publication) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2017.en
dc.identifier.doi10.4225/55/5a1f6dffb3fbb-
Appears in Collections:Research Theses

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