Christina Gibney full sociology thesis pdf finished

Christina Gibney
13333206
Sociology (SO303)
“I am five years Cancer free but it wouldn’t take much for it to become active again”
The Side Effects of Cancer - A Rare Case of Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma Cancer
Project supervisor: Niall Gilmartin
29th
April 2016

THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CANCER - A RARE CASE OF HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA CANCER
ii
Christina Gibney 13333206
2016
Abstract
The vast majority of people who battle cancer experience consequential side effects at some
point. Ireland’s biggest cancer research organisation, the Irish Cancer Society has invested
€30 million since 1963 into hundreds of research projects. However, there is a limited
number of research projects implemented on a rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer.
This dissertation is an exploratory research project into a specific case of Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma Cancer. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer was specifically chosen as it has little
research done on it. The exploration sheds light on the physical and mental side effects of
such a cancer to enlighten further possible research on this rare case of cancer. The findings
that were collected from this research project add to the sociological field of research. The
findings were based on the side effects of a rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. It was
concluded that cancer could have both positive and negative impacts for both the individual
with cancer and for the immediate family.
Key words: Cancer, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Physical, Mental, Experience, Consequence

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Acknowledgments:
Completing this dissertation has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I would like to
extend my appreciation to my family for their assistance and on- going support and in
particular my mother who has battled the disease.
I would also like to thank my close friends who have supported me and assisted me with this
project. My family and friend’s loyalty and support has been greatly appreciated.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my supervisor, Dr. Niall Gilmartin.
Through Niall’s expertise, this project was successfully conducted. I would also like to thank
Dr. Jane Grey who supported my thesis at the early stages. Lastly, I would like to thank all of
my lecturers who contributed and assisted me in conducting this dissertation.

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Table of Contents
Abstract................................................................................................................................................... ii
Acknowledgments: ................................................................................................................................ iii
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................... iv
Chapter 1.................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................1
1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Research Question ........................................................................................................................2
1.2 Aims and Objectives.....................................................................................................................2
1.3 What is Cancer?............................................................................................................................3
1.4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer......................................................................................................4
1.5 Specific contribution to sociological research ..............................................................................4
1.6 Scopes and Limitations.................................................................................................................4
1.7 Refinement of proposal.................................................................................................................5
Chapter 2.................................................................................................................................................6
The Literature Review ............................................................................................................................6
2.0 Literature Review..............................................................................................................................7
2.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................7
2.2 The Illness Experience as Socially Constructed ...........................................................................7
2.2.1 Socially Constructed Name....................................................................................................8
2.3 The Sick Role................................................................................................................................9
2.4 The Struggle of Time..................................................................................................................10
2.4.1 Cancer as a disruption of life and time; ...............................................................................11
2.4.2 Increased awareness of time; ...............................................................................................11
2.4.3 Appropriating time:..............................................................................................................12
2.5 Physical appearance....................................................................................................................13
2.6 Emotional effect..........................................................................................................................13
Chapter 3...............................................................................................................................................16
The Methodology..................................................................................................................................16
3.0 Methodology...................................................................................................................................17
3.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................17
3.2 Theoretical Approach..................................................................................................................17
3.3 Study Design...............................................................................................................................17
3.4 Description of Research Procedure.............................................................................................18
5.5 Ethical Considerations ................................................................................................................19
5.6 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................21

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Chapter 4...............................................................................................................................................22
The Findings .........................................................................................................................................22
4.0 Findings...........................................................................................................................................23
4.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................23
4.2 Mothers Life Story introduction .................................................................................................24
4.3 Emotional Effects........................................................................................................................25
4.4 Physical Appearance...................................................................................................................27
4.5 A New Socially Constructed Name - A Cancer Survivor...........................................................29
4.6 Life five years cancer free...........................................................................................................30
Chapter 5...............................................................................................................................................32
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................32
5.0 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................33
5.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................33
5.2 Data Conclusion..........................................................................................................................33
5.2 Recommendations.......................................................................................................................34
5.3 Experience and Further Research ...............................................................................................34
5.4 Concluding Comments................................................................................................................35
6.0 Bibliography ...................................................................................................................................36
7.0 Appendices......................................................................................................................................38

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Research Question
In a recent 2014 study, over 122,000 people who contracted cancer in the past 20 years are
alive today, and 94,000 of these have survived at least 10 years with the disease (Cullen
2014). With the increasing survival rates in Ireland, there has to be increasing side effects and
negative consequences that occur during their survival. The research question intended to be
explored was to discover the consequences of being diagnosed with cancer – a rare case of
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer that was experienced by a middle-aged woman in recent years.
To what extent that the day-to-day activities were affected along with the physical and mental
consequential effects.
Bury (1988, 1991), distinguished between two aspects of the impact of chronic illness in
suggesting that there are two types of meaning … First, there is ‘meaning as consequence’,
that is, the effects on the practical aspects of everyday life following the onset symptoms,
such as disruption to work and domestic routines, the management of symptoms, and so on.
Secondly, there is ‘meaning as significance’, which refers to the connotations and imaginary
associated with given conditions (Nettleton 2013). The sociological framework in which this
research project is based on is Bury’s (1988, 1991) ‘meaning of chronic illness as
consequence’. Researching based on the consequences will evolve the hidden disruption of
daily lives of a person who has a chronic illness. It will contribute to the little research that
has been done on this specific rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer.
1.2 Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this research project was to explore the consequences of being diagnosed
with cancer - to what extent having a rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer affects the
psychological and physical state of a middle-aged woman. This dissertation was proposed to
add to the narrow research that is done on Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer of middle-aged
women. There were two principal objectives for this dissertation. The first objective was to
explore the consequential side effects of being diagnosed with cancer. Through literature this
objective was achieved through having a sociological imagination and reviewing existing
sociological literature based on cancer consequences such as mental and physical
experiences.

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The second objective was to shed a deeper light on a specific cancer case, Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma Cancer that a woman of middle age experienced numerous consequences and
Bury’s, (1988, 1991), meaning as significance. This specific cancer was explored for two
reasons. Firstly because it is very rare for a middle aged woman to get this type of cancer
because according to the medical assumptions, it is either a very young person’s cancer (20-
24) or a very old person’s cancer (70-74). It is very rare for a middle-aged woman to get it.
Secondly, this cancer was explored because the middle-aged woman who got it is a blood
relative of the author of this dissertation. The author used this to their advantage for primary
source, in-depth data collection for the optimal dissertation project.
1.3 What is Cancer?
“Cancer comes in many shapes and sizes, and how it affects the body varies greatly. Cancer
is a term used to describe a group of illnesses all having certain common characteristics.
These characteristics include an over-growth of cells that forms a tumour”
(Irish Cancer Society 2015).
In 2015 Healthy Irelands general health report highlighted that 85% of the Irish population
aged 15 and over report their general health as being good or very good (Healthy Ireland
2015). The question lies within that 15% of the Irish population were chronic diseases are
killing people every day. This research is an exploratory study to identify the consequences
and experiences that are faced by cancer sufferers during their diagnosis of cancer and in
some cases persist beyond the diagnosis. To understand how a disease can affect our body in
such a way that it does, we must consider how cancer is formed. Our body’s cells multiply
and repair cells every second of every day. It is when our cells multiply to the extent that our
body cannot control the multiplication that is when our organs become overly controlled by
cells and as a result a tumour forms. This tumour can cause health problems by blocking
internal ducts, or by pressing against other organs, preventing them from working properly
(Irish Cancer Society 2015), sometimes leading to an earlier than expected mortality. The
fear of losing the cancer victim not only affects the physical and mental body of the ill body
but it also has major implications on family members and close friends. However, when a
cancer patient gets the ‘all clear’ from cancer, it is a long road to recovery for the sick, family
and close friends. According to the NCSI, studies have shown that 60% of cancer survivors
have unmet physical or psychological needs; over 33% have problems with close
relationships, careers or have difficulty preforming household duties; and over 90% have

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suffered financial losses (Initiative, 2014). Depending on the type of cancer, where it affected
the body and in what form, all cancer effects the body differently
1.4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer
Hodgkin’s disease (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) is a type of lymphoma, a cancer that starts in
white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are part of the immune system (American
Cancer Society 2016). The disease is most common to start in the upper part of the body,
particularly affecting the lymph nodes in the neck, chest or under arm. According to a study
conducted by the Cancer Research UK organisation, Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare cancer, in
women it occurs more commonly between the ages of 20 to 24 and 70 to 74 (2015). It is an
example of a cancer that in most cases would involve chemotherapy treatment. The peak ages
to get this type of cancer are as outlines above, 20 to 24 and 70 to 74. Rates then decrease
until middle age before rising again in late adulthood (Cancer Research UK 2015).
1.5 Specific contribution to sociological research
This project will be an exploratory study into the consequences of cancer that affects daily
routines and socialization. When the human body is disturbed in how it functions, it can have
great consequences. There is a lot of literature on the consequences of cancer already,
however, there is little research on this specific cancer to this specific stage of human life.
Taking into consideration these ages, there is a gap in cancer research on people who get
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer that are not in these age categories. Taking this into
consideration, this research project will fill the gap of little research that has been done on the
cases of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer that occurred in the middle stage of life. It is a great
advantage to be able to write up the project based on a blood relative who is one of the very
few people to get such a cancer. It will hopefully encourage further research on this specific
age group of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer.
1.6 Scopes and Limitations
The research project was based on a particular middle aged woman who experienced stage
four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer in recent years. Fortunately, for the case of the project,
this individual was the mother of the author who carried out this research project. This
resulted in easy access to primary source information whenever it was needed during the
course of the project write up. However, when it came to doing the findings, an interview was
conducted with the woman. Unfortunately, some information could not be given for the

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project. This did not affect the findings very much as a lot of relevant information was
gathered.
Secondly, data collected from the mother’s mother (81) interview was not an in-depth
interview. A few questions that were asked were short answers or not elaborated on. This
slightly effected the reliability of the findings chapter.
1.7 Refinement of proposal
The topic of research slightly changed since the proposal was completed. The proposal was
an exploration of general cancer consequences for the individual and immediate family.
However, since further research and thought went into the dissertation a new idea based on
the same topic of cancer was considered. This new idea was to explore a specific case of
cancer (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer). Research gathered that it was a rare case if a person
got this cancer in the middle age of life so from this, it was gathered that it would be a great
benefit to contribute to the low level of research on such a rare case of cancer. This topic was
chosen to be studied in detail as it was a big interest as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer played
a huge role for both the individual affected by cancer and the author of this dissertation. It
was also chosen as there was primary data almost guaranteed thus creating an in-depth
interesting dissertation.

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Chapter 2
The Literature Review

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2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
This chapter is a review of existing literature that provided a sociological framework for this
research project. The research question is to explore a rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Cancer. To answer this research question, the literature review provided in-depth existing
research that explored four main sociological topics. These topics are 1) Illness as socially
constructed 2) The sick role 3) The struggle of time 4) The physical and emotional effects of
illness. Through using these four topics, the consequential side effects of having such an
illness was explored, particularly how society reacts to a diagnosis of an illness and what
meanings attribute to a person becoming ill. These sub questions were the underpinning to
possibly unravelling the theory behind a rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer of a
woman of her genre. To possibly get a deeper appreciation of how the theories that illness is
socially constructed, the theory of the sick role, the struggle of time, and the physical and
emotional upshots had affected her behaviours and rational for the duration of the illness
2.2 The Illness Experience as Socially Constructed
Over the last quarter of a century, research on the illness experience has thrived, interests in
studying the meanings and experiences of chronic illness has grown, especially in British
circles (Pierret 2003). For example there has been research conducted by Pierret (2003),
Thorne (2000), Conrad (1990), and Kleinman (1992). They are amongst many sociological
researchers who conducted research on the illness experience.
Illness is thought to be socially constructed. This assertion is grounded in the strong
pragmatist underpinnings of symbolic interactionism which suggest that reality does not just
exist out there in the world waiting to be discovered, but rather is created by individuals who
act in and toward their world, applied to illness, people enact their illness and endow it with
meaning (Baker 2010). This perspective of illness as socially constructed is the beginning for
many sociology researchers in exploring the constructed experiences of illness in everyday
life. In the 1960’s a study was conducted on patient’s perspective of illness. The study was
done by Glaser and Strauss 1965 and Goffman 1961. These researchers were among the first
to recognize that the patient experience is not the same as the illness experience; after all,
people with illnesses spend very little time in the patient role (Baker 2010). The illness

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experience can be lived with for many years after a diagnosis with cancer, does this mean a
person is a patient for the duration of the illness experience? This important step laid a
foundation for a more developed approach to the experience of illness (Baker 2010).
To use this starting point for a more developed approach to the experience of illness, research
of Charmaz (1991), is a well-developed example. This perspective is well positioned to
examine how individuals construct and manage their illness, and with what consequences
(Baker 2010). Charmaz’ (1991) primary argument of chronic illness is that a person suffering
with an illness loses the control of day-to-day living thus becoming increasingly cut off from
the routines of conventional life—unable to work, spend time with family, socialize with
friends, or move about freely (Baker 2010). A chronically ill person has difficulties to find
the power and energy in their body to live a way that society expects of them. The daily
norms of work, house chores, looking after kids, and socializing become a major struggle for
many people with cancer. However, how does the loss in control over day-to-day living affect
an individual with cancer? This research also describes how people struggle to make sense of
their illness and reclaim a sense of self; people endeavour to endow their illness with
meaning within the context of their personal and social relationships, employment status,
health insurance coverage, religious and cultural beliefs (Baker 2010).
2.2.1 Socially Constructed Name
Many chronic illness survivors are given a socially constructed name. According to Park,
living through cancer often involves developing new identities, which may strongly influence
well-being and relationships with care providers, yet little is currently known about these
post-cancer identities (2009). Chronic illness can prompt a re-evaluation of one’s former life
and identity, and, in some cases, the creation of a new illness identity (e.g., cancer survivor)
(Baker 2010). To be categorized under a new identity such as a cancer survivor may be very
rewarding for survivors of this disease but it also shadows over the persons former identity.
The foundation on which a sense of self is based can be lost, there is nothing to look forward
to, and nothing to do; time is experienced as unchanging (Charmaz 1991).
According to Parks study (2009), the research found that in recent years, one particular
identity, “survivor”, has been actively promoted and widely and prominently used (2009).
The terminology survivorship is a term that is used to identify an individual who has had
cancer and is surviving and living after the diagnosis and treatment. The term is used by
many practitioners, including medical professions to identify a person who had survived the

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disease. It may be an achievement to say a person is now a cancer survivor and proud to have
beat cancer, however, according to Park some may be reluctant to adopt the
label survivor because, to them, it carries connotations of cure, survivor may imply that the
danger has passed (2009). The results of the study showed that despite some people who are
reluctant to be known as a cancer survivor, the study indicated that at least somewhat, 83%
endorsed survivor identity (2009). This result from the study has been helpful in the findings
chapter of this dissertation. The significance of this project is the use of three-generational
interviews which are unique to sociological research that gave a broad perspective of
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. Within the interviews a discussion on a socially constructed
name as a cancer survivor is discussed.
2.3 The Sick Role
When a person is ill, that person does not deliberately give up normal social roles, one
substitutes a new role - the sick role
(Lonnquist 2006).
The sick role was first introduced by Talcott Parsons in 1948 in a book called ‘The Social
System’. Parsons theory argues that illness is not simply a biological or psychological
condition, and it is not simply an unstructured state of free social norms and regulation
(Lonnquist 2006). A person who becomes ill cannot change the fact that they are ill, one must
allow the social changes to occur. Fox argues that the sick role is “a social role, characterized
by certain exemptions, rights, and obligations, and shaped by the society, groups, and cultural
tradition to which the sick person belongs (1989:17). Fox’s theory is grounded in a
sociological perspective that when a person becomes ill, the inability to fulfil societal norms
such as going to work, is acknowledged by society as a whole and their family. The
individual becomes vulnerable to a new alternative role in society, the sick role.
Parsons identifies that the sick role belongs in two categories; a passive alienative category
and a confirmative motivational orientation. Acquiring the sick role also acquires an element
of dependency which can be characterized into the confirmative motivational orientation
category. Illness is predominantly a withdrawal into a dependent relation, it is asking to be
“taken care of.” It uses disability as the basis of legitimation of this claim (Parsons 1951). To
be granted care sacrifices many other roles for the family. Parsons and other functionalists
viewed sickness as a type of deviant behaviour in that it is a violation of role expectations;
“Illness, in our society, is undoubtedly motivated to a high degree and therefore may

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legitimately be regarded as a type of deviant behaviour” (Parsons 1951). Parsons argues that
sickness is assessed as being dysfunctional for the family because when one member is sick
and relinquishes normal responsibilities, other members are required to pick up the slack –
and may become overburdened in so doing (Lonnquist 2006). This overburden on family
members can have significant effects on their daily routine for example, school, college or
work may become more of a hassle. The dependency may not only affect their routine but it
may also affect family member’s education as he/she may not be able to attend school or
college as much in order to look after the ill person in the family. When a person becomes
disabled to fulfil societal norms, society characterises them within the sick role. To become
disabled can trigger burdens for other family members as the ill person, as theorised by
Parsons (1951) withdraws to a dependant state, a state that demands to be taken care of by
family members. This effects daily norms and routines of family members. On the other
hand, how does an unexpected rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer burden the family
and interfere with daily tasks?
The dependency that burdens a family as a result of a person being diagnosed with cancer has
significant impacts. It affects the social norms and routines of family members. However
there is a lack of research on the effects that this has on family members. This dissertation
contributes to the lack of attention that family members experience with their loved one being
diagnosed with cancer. The three-generation interviews allowed the author to explore the
feelings and emotions that family members hide away during a loved one’s battle. It also
allowed to explore family members views about the burden that associates with the sick role.
2.4 The Struggle of Time
The number of cancer survivors is increasing rapidly, however there still is not much research
implemented on cancer survivors’ experience and management of time (Elverdam 2007).
After a person has been diagnosed with cancer, immediately time becomes a crucial element
of life. Time with family and friends, time to reflect on one’s life and the time to appreciate
the things they were given in their life time, become essential meanings for a chronically ill
person. In a study done by Elverdam, interviews are conducted with cancer effected
participants. Elverdam concludes a paper based on the answers given by these participants
about what time means to them, their experience with time and how they control their time.

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In the study three key findings were unfolded; cancer as a disruption of life and time;
increased awareness of time; appropriation of time (Elverdam 2007).
2.4.1 Cancer as a disruption of life and time;
As mentioned in the introduction chapter of this project, Burys’s (1988, 1991), theory on the
meaning of chronic illness, ‘meaning as consequence’ can contribute greatly to cancer as a
disruption of life and time. However, some argue that biographical disruption can also have
positive consequences (Nettleton 2013: 84). It can oftentimes signal a new view about life. It
can initiate a rethinking about the direction of a person’s life; it can mean that the sufferer
may become a more insightful person; and it may result in new opportunities never before
imagined (Nettleton 2013: 84). However, in most chronic illness cases, cancer diagnosis can
be a shock and a fright, evolving many mixed emotions and thoughts. Informants in this
study perceive a disruption in their experience of time, which means time becomes essential –
a primary focus of living – and contains different visible components: It is definitely a new
time. There is the time before I became ill and the time after. It is if one has been given life,
one feels that it is possible to feel life much more intensely. Because it was either or
(Elverdam 2007).
After a person becomes diagnosed with cancer time is split. Time becomes the before and
after diagnosis. Cancer becomes a symbol of disruption of life and time, and the harmony of
ordinary life disappears … several informants describe how the dates of diagnosis and
conclusion of treatment (and the resulting survivorship) become special, participants keel
turning back to these dates as indicators of a shift in time, how the time of cure becomes a
starting point for a new life and a point from which to measure new time (Elverdam 2007).
2.4.2 Increased awareness of time;
Time becomes one of the most valued elements of life when one’s future becomes uncertain.
Cancer could mean the end of life for cancer patients. To respond to this a lot of the
informants talk about their time and experience of life. Cancer patients also talk about the
‘end of time’ as an increased awareness of time.
I. The end of time: The informants that participated in this study are survivors, but
despite this, cancer means that they have been confronted with death, death is
confronted because: (1) Informants experience or have experienced others dying from
cancer; (2) Treatment may be ineffective; (3) The general discourse of cancer sees it
as unruly, unpredictable and at times mystical (Sontag 1991). To experience a person

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dying from cancer is frightening for a person to be diagnosed with the same disease as
they do not know when their time will come. Also to have a great amount of trust in
nurses and doctors to do what it best for their survival can be difficult as their life is in
the hands of the medical professions. Lastly, life discourse can become unpredictable
and uncertain which could mean the end of time is closer than expected.
II. Losing the future: During one of the interviews with one particular cancer survivor
about the confrontation with death being closer than expected;
“To life in the present means that it is today I am here. It is today I may be able to go
to work, or bake a scone. It is today I may read little, if I am able. It is today I can go
to church, or listen to some tapes that interest just me. I can call my children today, or
walk in the garden. I am able to watch the flowers grow today, I have time for them,
because I have today. That is how it is. Tomorrow has not been promised to me”
(Elverdam 2007).
This quotation is an example that highlights the consequences of cancer, not knowing
whether you will be here tomorrow or not. A person with cancer cherishes the past and the
present but cannot cherish the future. It is characteristics for many informants that at the start
of their survivorship, shortly after treatment, they live in the present, feeling unable to
imagine what life will be, if at all, in 5-year time, they raise questions about starting a family
or reaching retirement (Elverdam 2007). In this case, cancer is already winning the battle
against survivorship as the cancer victims question their future goals and wants.
2.4.3 Appropriating time:
Appropriating time is the last of the key findings from this study. Time cannot be altered or
changed. Time is a continuous cycle of life. Time becomes much more noticed for an ill
person as they count down the last few days, months, or years that they may have to live.
Time controls human action, in this study, the informants however, showed that, instead of
being controlled by time in relation to what is to happen and when, they take control and
appropriate time (Elverdam 2007). In other words the informants attempt to forget about what
might happen and when the uncertain time may be, and instead, take control and appropriate
the present day.
The struggle of time can yes be one of the major difficulties that cancer patients have while
battling their illness. The uncertain thoughts of whether or not they have enough time to
spend with family and reflect on one’s life. It is almost as though the battle has been won to

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the illness already. However, it is wrong to say that the struggle of time, time to spend with
family and time to appreciate the life they had, holds true for all cancer patients. Results in
the following findings chapter supports this assertion.
2.5 Physical appearance
Very little research has focused specifically on the stress of an altered appearance during
cancer treatment (Williamson 2010). In a study done by Williamson (2010), interviews of
cancer sufferers were conducted. One of the biggest fears that many cancer patients have
during this time, is the distinctive change in their physical appearance, however not every
person with cancer has the same side effects. The side effects of radiation, chemotherapy and
surgery bring about many physical changes to the appearance including hair loss, weight
change, and skin change. The small amount of research on this topic has concluded that
appearance changes during cancer treatment can hugely interrupt quality of life and identity.
These include abuse, taunting, reduced self-esteem, increased self-consciousness, problems
with social interactions and relationships with peers, body image concerns, and a sense of
social isolation (Williamson 2010). To have an appearance that reflected cancer can highlight
personal factors to the outside world that many people want to keep to themselves. For these
girls that were interviewed, their physical changes were a symbol of cancer, strongly
associated with illness and fear: “wellness and health was gone, it’s such a potent, frightening
symbol” (Williamson 2010).
In a recent study done by the American Cancer Society (2013), research about how
chemotherapy changes your appearance can affect the individual so much that it stops them
thinking positively about life. A person can lose all their confidence and self-esteem through
changes in their physical appearance. Despite this, does physical appearance changes affect
middle aged women of Lymphoma Cancer?
2.6 Emotional effect
A survey of more than 21,000 patients in Scotland found rates of clinical depression ranging
from 6% to 13% among cancer patients, compared with a prevalence of just 2% in the
general population (Irish Examiner 2014). Depression is a mental health issue that can be an
experience that a lot of cancer survivors experience after their illness. Research has indicated
that between 25 and 40 per cent of people may go through some depression after cancer (Mail
2011). According to a study conducted by Moscoso et al (2012) research concluded that
emotional distress is a neglected side of cancer care. The aggressive treatments that follow

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with a diagnosis with cancer have major impacts on the psychological state of mind. The
study found that the occurrence of significantly elevated levels of anxiety as compared to a
normal population has been reported to be as high as 85% for newly diagnosed cancer
patients (Moscoso et al 2012). With mental health being a huge issue that associates cancer,
the report shows that emotional distress is a neglected area of cancer research. Despite this
increased attention to control these troublesome symptoms in patients with cancer, there have
been no concerted efforts to address the assessment of emotional distress based on
psychometric measures particularly developed for cancer patients (Moscoco et al 2012).
Despite this, an objective of this dissertation is to contribute to the lack of research on the
emotional effects of cancer. More information needs to be given to the primary oncologist
and his/her staff about the recognition of significantly high levels of emotional distress; how
to query the patient to elicit adequate information about their feelings, and how to identify
appropriate resources to which they could be referred for psychological counselling and
support (Moscoco et al 2012).
Conclusion
Through reviewing existing literature a sociological framework was formed that this
dissertation could be supported by. From reviewing literature on cancer experience and
impacts it is concluded that cancer has many affects on the human body mentally and
physically. It was gathered that the illness experience is socially constructed. As illustrated
by Charmaz (1991) and Baker (2010). The literature review also shed light on the creation of
a socially constructed name as theorized by Baker (2010). Baker argues that chronic illness
can prompt a re-evaluation of one’s former life and identity (2010). Fox’s theory discusses
the formation of a new role, the sick role when one becomes chronically ill. He argues that
the sick role is s social role, characterized by certain exemptions, rights and is shaped by
society (1989: 17). The literature review also discussed the problem with time. As supported
by Elverdam (2007). Elverdam’s study unfolded three key findings: cancer as a disruption of
life and time; increased awareness of time; and appropriating time. These highlight the
impacts that cancer has the issue of time. The literature review shed light on the physical and
emotional side of cancer. There is plenty of research conducted on the experiences that
associate cancer. Notwithstanding this body of research is informative and proven however
none of the research that this literature reviews is based on a three-generation method of data
collection. This research project is based on three-generation life history interviews. This is
beneficial as contrasting views and meanings of cancer were gathered through an exploration

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of the participants life history. Lastly, very little research has been conducted on the stress of
an altered appearance during cancer treatment (Williamson 2010). This research project
contributed to the gap in sociological research on the physical appearance changes during
cancer treatment.

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Chapter 3
The Methodology

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3.0 Methodology
3.1 Introduction
This dissertation is fundamentally concerned with the experience of a woman with Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma cancer. This section is a discussion about the methods used to answer the
research question. The method used was three generational life history interviews. This
method is best suited to answer the research question for two reasons. Firstly, the interviews
being based on different generations gives a broader perspective of the meaning of cancer
thus creating different experiences and emotions about the effects of cancer. Secondly, the
life history aspect gives a synapsis of the interviewee’s life before cancer interrupted. It is
important to explore the lives before cancer interrupted them. This will unravel how much
cancer has affected them individually. As mentioned in the literature review chapter, cancer
survival rates are increasing dramatically. Generational life history interviews allowed for a
broader exploration of the impacts of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer and thus contributing to
the sociological research on the human experience of illness. The methodology chapter
consists of four sections. Firstly, there a discussion of the theoretical approach followed by
the study design, a description of the research procedure, and lastly the ethical considerations
are discussed.
3.2 Theoretical Approach
Relevant theoretical approaches that are highlighted in the literature chapter were used to
drag out similar experiences and thoughts that were gathered during the study. Theoretical
frameworks that were used during the study are Elverdams (2007) theory of the struggle with
time, Williamson’s (2010) study on a cancer survivor’s physical appearance changes and
Pierret’s (2003) theory of cancer as socially constructed. These approaches helped to develop
a theoretical perspective that broadened this issue of cancer in the sociological imagination.
3.3 Study Design
This study was based on a qualitative methods approach. Semi-structured interviews were the
most effective for this research question as it would give precise, relevant detailed
information about participants experience during and after cancer. It would also signal non-
verbal signs and emotions that would be visible to the eye. These interviews were based on a
three-generation structure. This type of interview structure is not one that is used a lot in

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sociological research. Using a three-generational structure is the most beneficial method of
data collection as a wide range of thoughts and expressions are collected from separate
generations who view things completely different, this will give me optimal data collection
on what cancer means to each of these separate generations. It is also a benefit because
conducting for example three interviews from the same generation in today’s society is a
snapshot whereby conducting three generation interviews gives a much broader history of the
meanings and mass social changes associated with the generations.
3.4 Description of Research Procedure
Choosing the correct research setting and participants was not a hard task, as it was already
there all along. I had always planned on concentrating on my mother as the primary focus for
the research findings. This is because she had Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer five years ago. To
make my mother as comfortable talking about such a difficult experience, the setting in
which the interview took place was her home over a cup of tea. The questions were read over
and the tape recorder was checked before starting. The second interview took place also in
her home. We were going to go to the local coffee shop but she rather stay in her home and
have tea. Again the questions were read over and the tape recorder was checked before
starting the interview. After the interview I stayed with her and watched television for an
hour so that I wasn’t leaving her upset or lonely too quickly. A consent form was given to
each interviewee in advance. This explained the reason behind the research and it made them
aware that the participant is completely on a voluntary basis, which meant that they could
withdraw at any time with no given reason. This is also an ethical consideration that is
discussed later in the ethics section.
To gather the optimal standard of data, there were a number of procedures that was important
as a researcher to carry out during each interview.
 Each interview were tape recorded. Recording each interview meant that more
concentration on the interviewee could commence as there is an ease of mind that all
information will be able to be played back. It also meant that notes could be taken.
 Notes were taken in each interview. Notes on how the interviewee portrayed himself
or herself just before the interview, were they nervous? Notes on non-verbal language
could be taken during the interview such as sadness during specific topics or constant
moving or fidgeting. Notes were taken after the interview. This can be quite important

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to note because a lot of the time as a researcher it is important to look out for signs of
relief that it is over or signs of melancholy.
 It is also important that as a researcher, I mostly controlled the power relation. This is
an important step that can quite often be forgotten about. It is important to ensure that
the interview does not go off course that it does not go onto something that would be
irrelevant and non-worthy for my research. To ensure this does not happen, a clear
structure of questions or themes should be jotted down as a guide to follow to ensure
that all themes or topics are covered.
 Lastly the interviewee’s agreed to participating in this study on a voluntary basis. To
ease any nerves that the interviewees may have, we had tea before their interview.
This made each interviewee more relaxed and willing to open up more. This is a
benefit for an increase in optimal research findings. Each interview was conducted
late in the evening, between 6pm-8pm. This meant as a researcher, I did not interfere
with their daily routines and it also gave them time to prepare throughout the day.
To analyse the data from the interviews, firstly each interview was transcribed. A method of
coding referencing was carried out to identify themes and topics that were continually
mentioned or that were of significance to the project that I would not have spotted during the
interview. The coding method used was colour coding. This worked best as the themes and
vital data jumped out of the page.
5.5 Ethical Considerations
As a researcher there is unconditional responsibilities for the integrity of the research process
(O’Leary 2014). Ethics are self‐regulatory guidelines for making decisions and defining
professions (CliffsNotes 2016). Guidelines such as ensuring the correct preparation before
conducting the interviews and a professional approach during the interviews i.e. no
disagreements with any given answer are huge ethical considerations in sociological research.
There were a lot of ethical considerations with conducting successful interviews. The ethical
considerations need to be revised by the researcher to ensure the dignity and well-being of the
researched (O’Leary 2014).

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This section will discuss the ethical considerations that had to be considered during the
qualitative method of gathering information for this research project.
 Responsibility for the researched
Responsibility for the dignity, respect, and welfare of respondents, both mentally and
physically, is central to research ethics (O’Leary 2014). Respecting and obeying by the
rights of each interviewee regardless of any given information was crucial during the data
collection. As a researcher, respecting the participant’s answers was an essential element
of ethical obligations. To ensure this consideration was obeyed, no interference or
disagreements with the participant’s answers were said.
 Signed consent form
The purpose of giving all interviewee’s a consent form is to inform them of the nature and
objectives of the research that is being carried out. According to O’Leary, Participants
can only give informed consent if they have a full understanding of their requested
involvement in a research project, including time commitment, type of activity, topics
that will be covered, and all physical and emotional risks potentially involved (2014). A
consent form was given to all three participants to inform them of the study and to outline
that the study is done on a voluntary basis with no unnecessary pressure.
 Ensuring there is no harm towards participants
The concept of harm in social science research generally refers to emotional or
psychological harm, rather than physical harm (O’Leary 2014). This is a major
consideration during this research as three interviews were conducted on a topic that is
deemed powerful and emotional to confront with. Regardless of any potential benefits to
society, or even informed consent, risks of any type of harm, including damage to self-
esteem or self-respect, should be ethically and/or morally unacceptable (O’Leary 2014).
To ensure there was no harm during these interviews, an instruction was given before the
interviews started that they are free to withdraw the interview at any stage without
reasoning to ensure there would be no emotional harm.
 Ensuring confidentiality and possibly anonymity
Ensuring that the participants that voluntarily engaged with this study, were free from
personal identity from members of the public, however not from the researcher.

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Protection of confidentiality may involve secure storage of data; restricting access to raw
data; and obtaining permission for subsequent use of data (O’Leary 2014). To ensure
confidentiality was obeyed, any given information was stored behind a password based
computer.
Anonymity takes a step further with privacy. Anonymity refers to privacy from both the
public and researcher. In this study, anonymity was not used. Confidentiality was the
agreed privacy method that was agreed by all interviewee’s.
 Development of expertise and experience
As a researcher in this particular field, it is appropriate to have clear knowledge in the
research landscape before going about conducting appropriate interviews. This was done by
reviewing existent literature on my topic on cancer experiences. There is an implicit
obligation for researchers to know about: their topic; previous research; and commonly used
methods, including their shortcomings (O’Leary 2014).
5.6 Conclusion
The methodological section was an overview of the procedures and ethical considerations. It
is important in sociological research to prepare for data collection. This will increase the
chances of optimal findings and it will ensure that there is no harm to any participant. The
methodology contained six main sections. The introduction, the theoretical approach, the
study design, a description of the research procedure, the ethical considerations and lastly the
conclusion.

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Chapter 4
The Findings

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4.0 Findings
4.1 Introduction
The literature review chapter discussed the different experiences and consequences that
cancer can bring. Using the literature review, an in-depth individual cancer experience was
carried out. To carry out this task, a qualitative data collection method was used, this
involved semi-structured interviews that were conducted on the basis of three inter-
generational structures. The interviews were based on a two generational basis as discussed in
the methodology which is a unique research technique in the sociological research field that
allow for more in-depth and precis findings that formulate across the different generations for
a more generalizable finding. The wide gaps within the generations were deliberately chosen
as there is an increased chance of their experiences and thoughts and expressions about
cancer being completely different as they have lived through completely different periods of
time.
The three interviewees were relatives; two of them were mother and daughter. The
interviewee generations that were interviewed were; the author’s mother who had Hodgkin’s
lymphoma cancer (53), the cancer survivors mother (81) and lastly the daughter (21). This
chapter will be supported by the literature review for an optimal understanding of the
research purpose. The cancer survivor lived all her life in Cabra West in her mother’s house
who still lives there today. Before the woman got cancer her face was always glowing with
healthy shiny red hair and a bright smile.
The interview introductory stages firstly explored their life stories and then explored their
individual experiences and thoughts about their relationship with cancer. Particular interest is
the cancer survivors experience with cancer as there is very little research on Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma Cancer in the age category that she is in. It is uncommon to get this type of
cancer at her age. The emotional and physical effects that result from cancer were explored,
and the gradual changes of dominant roles in the family were explored in relation to the
change of role to the sick role as theorised by Lonnquist (2006). The three inter-generational
interviews will be discussed on the basis of these topics in detail with support from existing
literature to give optimal discussions.

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4.2 Mothers Life Story introduction
Four sections of the mothers experience with cancer were explored in detail. 1. Emotional
effect 2. Physical effect 3. Socially constructed name 4. Life five years cancer free. The
interview began in the woman’s house over a cup of tea to calm any nerves. The “C” word is
the dreaded, stomach turning word that most people find to be one of the most difficult topics
to talk about over the course of their lifetime, particularly when that person was fighting for
their life in a constant battle with the disease.
The first conversation with the mother most definitely did not jump straight into a depressing
conversation about their fight with cancer. It began at her youth, reflecting on living a healthy
life were she was optimistic about her future achievements and goals.
I loved going out with my friends, we only really went out on the weekends. I
remember one conversation that has stuck with me to this day, we were sitting around
the fire with a bottle of wine talking about our future wants and plans. I said that I
wanted to travel the world with the man that I would be married to (smile), but I
didn’t want to do this during my youth because I just couldn’t afford it at the time, I
planned to do it when my kids had all grown up and could look after themselves for a
while, but that one future plan to travel the world didn’t seem so clear anymore
(sigh).
The beginning of the interview highlighted a sense of identity and stigma. The interviewee
talked about her youth stage and the socialization of herself and her friends. Life for the
interviewee was coming across as a typical young woman’s life. The beginning of the
interview also indicates a sense of want, a sense of determination of life goals. However, it
was also the starting point of melancholy. Already as a researcher this was the first indication
that this interview was going to be an emotional conversation. Without any emphasis, the
want for kids and the one man to travel the world with are indications of the importance of
family to this woman. Number one; to be talking to friends about future plans to create a
family and number two; to continue to talk about when her kids were all grown up in a
melancholy tone, identifies the close relationship the mother had with the illusion of a
possible family.
In most cases, cancer diagnosis can be a shock and a fright, evolving many mixed emotions
and thoughts (Elverdam 2007). For this participant, cancer was a huge shock to her nobody
thinks it will ever happen to them, until it does.

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I was surprised I got it, very surprised, because the one that I got is either a very
young persons or a very old persons cancer and I’m kind of mid-life so they were
surprised that I would have gotten that kind of cancer but (pause) I just saw it as a
battle.
The shock that the medical professions and this woman got when this cancer was diagnosed
to a woman middle-aged, highlights the possibility of a lack of attention of the disease on
middle aged women who were affected by Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. Yes, cancer can be
a shock to any person who is diagnosed with the disease however from the data that was
gathered through this interview it was concluded that it was a rare case of Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma cancer. The analysis indicates that more research needs to be implemented on
woman or men who get this type of cancer in their middle age. According to research done on
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer statistics indicate that Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer is most
common in early adulthood (ages 15 to 40, especially in a person’s twenties), and in late
adulthood (after age 55) (American Cancer Society 2016).
4.3 Emotional Effects
It was not long before the sadness had already derived from the interview, the first signs of
melancholy had already appeared by the introductory stage. It was already clear that cancer
had a huge impact on her emotional state of mind, as identified firstly from shattering her
future plans to go travelling.
The emotional effects that associate cancer are very difficult to research. Many cancer
victims tend to hide their emotions as they don’t want to frighten or upset loved ones. For
example, 7 years ago when the mother told her daughter, the author, of the cancer, she had no
emotion. Nothing was said other than, ‘I’ve something to tell you, I’ve got cancer’. The
atmosphere was unbearable to the extent that, the conversation had ended she had left the
room. Tendencies toward withdrawal is common in reaction to deeply felt emotional pain
(Seltzer 2011). It was obvious that there was a huge struggle for both parties to remain strong
and impractical of their emotions.
However, from conducting this interview, information gathered that the emotional side
effects of cancer was not the biggest consequence for this woman. Emotionally, cancer did
not affect her as much as other side effects did.

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It didn’t really affect me too much. I remained quite positive about it all. I just took it
day-by-day.
This is a key finding that cancer did not affect the emotional state of the woman. The
literature highlighted that the aggressive treatment that follow with a diagnosis with cancer
have major impacts on the psychological state of mind, the study found that the occurrence of
significantly elevated levels of anxiety as compared to a normal population has been reported
to be as high as 85% for newly diagnosed cancer patients (Moscoso et al 2012). Through
discussing the emotional effects of her cancer, even though the introductory section may have
been an indication of sadness and emotional distress, data collected on this topic proved the
previous analysis wrong. Data gathered that emotions can be restrained and controlled by the
correct supports and love from friends and family. Psychologically, the participant deemed
that she was in the correct state of mind for fighting her cancer mentally. This is a significant
finding as cancer is associated with poor mental health and an unstable emotional state.
When talking to the cancer survivors mother (81) during the interview, she got very upset in
her tone of voice when her daughter having cancer was brought up. Cancer seemed to affect
the mother (81) more so than the cancer survivor.
It was very depressing, your grandad was very depressed with it too. It was hard to sit
back and see your daughter get cancer after her always looking after myself and your
grandad so well. Always coming to visit, cooking for us, having us over for Christmas
and allowing us to stay the night. All of these memories came back and it was very
depressing to think about. It was almost like guilt of all the times she looked after us
and I felt like it should have been us looking after her the whole time. It was very
depressing
The analysis here indicates that there is a contrasting sense of emotion between the two
generations. The significance is that the person who battled cancer remained strong and
positive about their illness. There was no indications of anxiety or depression from the cancer
survivor. There was no medications involved in her treatment for mental health. However, the
mother found it very difficult to adhere. There is one particular underlying theory behind the
cancer patient’s positive attitude towards her illness. It is illustrated by Bury (1991). Bury
theorizes how a person adapts and copes with their illness through discussing the differences
between coping, strategy and style. The positivity illustrated by the data collection indicates
Bury’s (1991) theory on coping and style. Coping refers to ‘the cognitive processes whereby

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the individual learns how to tolerate or put up with the effects of illness (Nettleton 2013: 87).
Secondly, the positive response to her illness can also be illustrated by Bury’s theory on style.
Style incorporates the cultural circumstances and connotations of an illness, and refers to ‘the
way people respond to, and present, important features of their illnesses or treatment
regimens’ (Bury, 1991: 462). The positive response to her illness indicates a sense of hope
and calmness however, that does not indicate that behind Bury’s response mechanism that
there was not a sense of fear and uncertainty. Bury’s coping and style theories are
interrelated, and what is common to them is that they are compounded by uncertainty and
unpredictability (Nettleton 2013: 88). This is a significant contrast with the cancer survivors
mother and fathers depression during her cancer. As we can see from the quote from the
elderly woman, the word depression was repeated in those few lines four times and negative
words such as very hard and guilt repeated themselves over and over again. The analysis of
this indicates severe struggle and severe pain from the immediate family. This contrasting
emotional state also highlights the significance of carrying out inter-generational interviews
as the data collection method. Without the inter-generational interviews the analysis would
not have represented this key finding about the emotional effects of cancer. It allowed for a
more holistic and comprehensive finding.
4.4 Physical Appearance
Physical changes during cancer treatment occurs for only some patients, depending on the
type of treatment they are getting. This participant had chemotherapy for a total of one and a
half years. Physical changes during cancer is one of the hardest experiences of cancer for
many people. In a study done by Williamson, one of the biggest fears that many cancer
patients have during this time, is the distinctive change in their physical appearance (2010).
This study proved correct when this participant admitted to losing her hair as one of the
biggest difficulties associated with her cancer.
I know I was going to lose my hair, so before I lost it I decided to cut it all off so I
shaved it off. After that I felt better, I felt refreshed. When you have no hair you then
have a wig, you can go out and still nobody would know any different
The analysis of the physical appearance of this cancer patient represents acts of agency. ‘So
before I lost it I decided to cut it all off’. This is a deliberate act of agency which includes an
action to intentionally cut off her hair before cancer could slowly destroy her identity. There

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is a significant key result of this act of agency. ‘I felt better, I felt refreshed’. This was the
outcome to her act of agency which made her feel more positive about her battle. It made her
feel as if she is winning, which she was. A person’s identity can be completely disrupted.
Losing a sense of identity can affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem particularly being
in public. Enskar et al found that appearance changes during cancer treatment can hugely
interrupt quality of life and identity. These include reduced self-esteem, increased self-
consciousness, and body image concerns (Williamson 2010). When talking to the participant
about whether her confidence and self-esteem dropped when she lost her hair, the findings
came back that her confidence was hugely affected by her disease.
Yeah it did. It affected the confidence only when I went back to work. I had no hair at
that stage so I went back a wee bit too soon and it is difficult to go into an office with
a wig, when people know you so well so you lose your confidence quite easily in your
appearance
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer has many other physical appearance changes associated with
it. According to the National Cancer Institute, chemotherapy may damage fast growing skin
and nail cells, this can cause problems such as skin that is dry, itchy, red and/or that peels.
Nail changes may include dark, yellow, or cracked nails (2015). Although physical changes
in skin or nails may not be the most daunting change, it still contributes to an extra
unnecessary burden that effects self-confidence.
Yeah, my nails went black, especially my toe nails but my hand nails stuck it out and
they weren’t damaged at all. My skin was dry, my teeth were sore, my skin was flaky.
My teeth are still a problem, I still have to get a lot of treatment on my teeth
The significance of these changes to the human body as illustrated by the interviewee, have
major implications on confidence and social interactions. This refers to Bury’s (1988, 1991)
theory ‘meanings as risk’: that is, people who are chronically ill constantly have to risk the
fact that their interpretations of a situation might not be shared by others (Nettleton 2013: 82).
For example calls for sympathy may be rejected, or attempts to ‘carry on’ may be regarded
by significant others an inappropriate in the light of a deterioration of symptom’s (Nettleton
2013: 82). The issue regarding rejection of sympathy or in-appropriation of ‘carrying on’ that
is portrayed by the social world around us highlights the want factor to avoid the annotations
of the world’s leading disease, cancer.

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4.5 A New Socially Constructed Name - A Cancer Survivor
Bury’s (1999, 1991) theory, ‘meaning as significance’, provides a framework for
understanding the loss of identity that is experiences through chronic illness. Meaning of
significance refers to the connotations and imagery associated with given conditions … it is
the meaning as significance which affects individuals’ sense of self (Nettleton 2013: 82).
Chronic diseases can prompt new identifications and overshadow personal identities. As the
literature review explored Parks theory of survivorship as a socially constructed name, it is
proven through this study that a person has encountered a socially constructed name as a
cancer survivor. The results of Parks study showed that despite some people who are
reluctant to be known as a cancer survivor, the study indicated that at least somewhat, 83%
endors ed survivor identity (2009). Included in that 83% is the participant of this new study
that has followed up on that.
Yeah, I suppose you are given a socially constructed name when you have cancer,
then you are always a survivor of cancer. I suppose it hangs over you always too like
a bit of a black cloud
To get to the depths of her thoughts about her new identity a question was asked to expand on
her loss of identity experience.
Personally, yes I would say that I would like to get my personal identity back and not
always to be known by everyone as the woman who bet Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer.
I think that giving me back my real identity would help me to forget about the illness,
forget that I ever had it and it would therefore boost my confidence and self-esteem
that I once had
Even though the illness has subsided, the illness still shapes her life. This woman is defined
primarily through the illness even though she has gotten the all clear. However, according to
Charmaz (1987), this ‘loss of self’ is not necessarily a permanent feature and Charmaz (1987)
also illustrates ways in which people move beyond this state and are able to create new
‘reconstituted identities’ (Nettleton 2013: 83). How cancer survivors respond to their
experience of the disease impacts on the name given to them. Referring back to the literature
review, chronic illness can prompt a re-evaluation of one’s former life and identity, and, in
some cases, the creation of a new illness identity (e.g., cancer survivor) (Baker 2010). The
study concluded that despite some people who are reluctant to be known as a cancer survivor,

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the study indicated that at least somewhat, 83% endorsed survivor identity (2009).
Unfortunately, for this particular woman, the study proved correct as her experience with her
disease added to the number who endorsed survivor identity.
4.6 Life five years cancer free
I am five years cancer free now, which is a bit of a milestone. I celebrated recently
over a bottle of wine and a meal out in a restaurant with my mother, sister, and
daughter. Unfortunately, my dad wasn’t there as he recently had passed away from
cancer so it was a huge celebration to have been lucky to beat it after watching my
father die from it 3 years later
According to Pesmen, the ‘five-year survival’ is a term doctors and researchers use as a
benchmark … it relates to the percentage of people in research studies who were still alive
five years after diagnosis (2007). It is considered a milestone. To reach the five-year cancer
free stage is a huge achievement to both doctors and the cancer survivor. The five-year
survival rates were introduced in the 1930’s not to point patients toward notions of a cure, but
because cancer specialists back then considered five-year survival a nearly unattainable goal
(Pesmen 2007).
(SEER 18 2005-2011)
Figure 1: Stages of Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer.
I had stage four cancer which is pretty serious, and I had chemo for first for about six
months and then I had mini chemo for two years after that. It is a lighter version of
chemo

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Stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer means that the cancer had distanced from its
origins. According to a study done by Cancer.Net, stage four refers to the cancer spreading
throughout the body and beyond the lymph nodes Stage, lymphoma most often spreads to the
liver, bone marrow, or lungs (2014). This woman had stage four Lymphoma Cancer, which
on the figure above, it is at the distant level. The five-year survival for distant Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma is 76.9%. This is considered a milestone to cancer researchers and doctors.
However, it does not mean to leave the illness in the past. As there is chances of it returning
as quickly as it had started.
Any little problem I have I can’t ignore it no matter how insignificant I think it is, I
have to go about it. The cancer is inactive at the moment, but it wouldn’t take much
for it to become active again. If that was the case I would have very harsh treatment
and probably stem cell replacement which is quite evasive, so I have to keep a very
close eye on things, something you have to live with….
This cancer survivor could speak for many cancer survivors here. Cancer survivors and in
particular this cancer survivor is critically aware that the illness my return. Unfortunately, the
illness never completely diminishes. There is always a fear for the cancer survivor and the
family of it returning. Life five years cancer free does not mean life is back to normality.
Cancer survivors are often battling with physical and practical challenges, anything from
huge financial losses, to the side effects of medication profound fatigue, a confused-feeling
known as “chemo-brain”, or lymphoedima (swelling) (Atkins 2012). Rates of depression and
anxiety are very high when treatment ends (Atkins 2012). These side effects must be kept a
close eye on as the data gathered indicates that the body and mind is as vulnerable after
treatment as it is during treatment.

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Chapter 5
Conclusion

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5.0 Conclusion
5.1 Introduction
The conclusion chapter is a brief discussion of the key findings from this dissertation. The
primary aim of the dissertation was to explore the impacts of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer
for the individual and the immediate family. The dissertation had three main bodies, the
literature review, methodology and the findings. The literature review was a discussion of
existing literature on the topic of study. This provided a theoretical framework to support the
findings. The methodology section was a discussion on the preparation for the data
collection. It discussed the procedures of the data collection in detail and the ethical
considerations to ensure no harm was done to any participant. Lastly, the findings unravelled
the key answers that were gathered from the three inter-generational interviews. The findings
were based on each interviewee’s individual experience and relationship with cancer.
5.2 Data Conclusion
This study was fundamentally concerned with the impacts that cancer has on the human
body. The study concentrated on a rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer as a primary
means of answering the research question. The research question shed light on the impacts
that cancer has on the mental and physical body. Through completing this study the findings
indicate that the disturbing annotations about cancer is the daunting side effects that it brings
to the individual. Even in cases where cancer is under medical control, cancer still brings
consequential side effects that effect the physical and mental body to some level. However, it
was concluded that cancer does bring positivity to the individual and the immediate family.
The findings suggest that when a person reaches the five-year survival rate it is a huge
celebratory experience. This dissertation shed a deeper light on the illness experience for the
individual with cancer, and exploring how cancer has the ability to affect the immediate
family more than the person with cancer. The dissertation was supported by sociological
literature. The evidence from the dissertation showed that cancer is such a powerful disease
that despite medical assumptions, cancer can destroy any body at any given age and can
create a number of concerns that affect the mind and the physical body.

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The findings concluded that despite possible faulty scientific assumptions, a woman of
middle age who contracted a rare case of cancer regardless of her age. The biggest side
effects of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer was the physical appearance. Physical changes in
appearance during cancer can severely damage the psychological functioning. It can affect
self-confidence and it can create a socially constructed name and malfunction the identity to a
‘cancer survivor’ as explored through this dissertation.
However, cancer is not all as negative as we may think. The findings concluded that cancer
does not always mentally affect the individual as much as we may think. The data results
showed that in this case, cancer affected the immediate family more so than the woman
affected with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. Lastly, the data concluded that individuals who
battle cancer tend to use all their energy to lead the battle. For this particular woman we seen
that she led the battle by participating in actions of agency. This gave her a sense of
positivity, determination and survivalship against her battle with the disease.
5.2 Recommendations
Based on the findings that were gathered from this project the assumptions indicate that there
is a need for more emphasis on research to be completed on rare cases of cancer for instance
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer of middle-aged woman, as an alternative of adding to the vast
amount of research done to date on common cancer cases in Ireland. This is not to say to
discontinue researching common cancer cases, it is a recommendation to explore cancer cases
like this, where there is not a lot of acknowledgement or research on the consequential side
effects for middle aged women of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer in contemporary society.
There is also more attention needed towards the affected family of a loved one with cancer.
We tent to place all our attention and energy on the person with cancer and almost ignore the
emotional family. The findings of this dissertation concluded that it is not always the person
with cancer that is affected with their illness as bad as their loved ones are affected by it.
5.3 Experience and Further Research
Completing this dissertation was a rewarding but very challenging experience. It was a
particular difficult topic to consider doing a detailed project on as my mother has never
discussed her cancer in such detail before. It was an educational dissertation, nevertheless it
was an exciting journey. I had great interest in the topic as it was a real life story from a
blood relative who recently had a rare case of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. However, I
knew that by doing this topic it would add to the limited research that has been done by

35
2016
cancer researchers on Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Therefore, I used this opportunity to my
advantage to create awareness of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer that it can and does affect
individuals of all ages despite medical assumptions. I thoroughly enjoyed this project. I have
a particular interest in the topic as it is so relevant to my life. This dissertation has furthered
me onto being interested in doing a Masters in Sociology to expand on this topic.
5.4 Concluding Comments
To suggest that cancer only affects the individual is a false accusation. The participants in this
study conclude that Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer affected the immediate family more than
the individual with cancer. The data gathered that it was depressing for the cancer survivors
mother and father to come to terms with their daughters illness. However, the woman with
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer had no signs of depression. There was signs of uncertainty and
fears of the illness returning nevertheless, the woman remained very strong and brave of her
illness. Cancer also has the talent to overshadow a person’s identity. This study revealed that
the woman that had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer fortunately was not hugely affected
emotionally however, the data showed that cancer did have the ability to interrupt her
identity. Before cancer could affect her identity and her physical appearance, the participant
partook in acts of agency. The woman shaving all of her hair off before cancer could destroy
her physical appearance and her identity showed the strength and determination of this
woman to confront with her illness and win. Another key finding from the data collection
presented that even though the illness is gone, cancer still shapes lives five years free of the
disease. This woman is still defined primarily through the illness even though she got the all
clear. The participant is still known as a cancer survivor, a socially constructed name that
cancer created. This contrasting illness experience of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer that
highlight both negative and positive impacts of the disease is just one experience of one case
of cancer in Ireland. The changes that a family experience with a diagnosis are uncontrollable
and unexplainable. This dissertation was concerned with the lack of knowledge of the illness
experience as assumptions are made every day of the experience. This project proved that the
assumptions are not always correct about the revolutionary illness experience.

36
2016
6.0 Bibliography
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O’Leary, Zina. 2014. The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project. 2nd
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tsinwomen/sexualityforthewoman/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer-chemo-and-way-you-
look, accessed February 19, 2016.
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Williamson, Heidi 2010. “Adolescents’ and Parents’ Experiences of Managing the
Psychosocial Impact of Appearance Change During Cancer Treatment.” Journal of Pediatric
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Park, Crystal L., Zlateva, Ianita and Blank, Thomas O. 2009 “Self-identity after Cancer:
“Survivor”, “Victim”, “Patient”, and “Person with Cancer.” National Institutes of Health Pp.
430-435. Retrieved February 1, 2016
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763169/).
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disruption and time appropriation.” Journal of Advanced Nursing. 57:614-622.
Lonnquist, Lynne E and Gregroy L. Weiss. 2006. Sociology of Health, Healing, and Illness;
The Sick Role. California: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Pierret, J. 2003. “The Illness Experience: State of Knowledge and Perspectives for Research.”
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Parsons, Talcott. 1951. The Social System England: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd.

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7.0 Appendices
(SEER 18 2005-2011)

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