When the Risks Are High

Psychological Adjustment Among Melanoma Survivors at High Risk of Developing New Primary Disease

Bibliographic Data

ID4689211
AuthorsJordana Mcloone (0000-0002-2604-9975, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia), Kaaren Watts (0000-0002-1832-9475, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia), Scott Menzie, Scott W Menzies (0000-0001-6430-6429, The University of Sydney), Scott Menzies (University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia), Bettina Meiser (0000-0002-5086-0784, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia), Phyllis Butow (0000-0003-3562-6954, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia), Nadine Kasparian (University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia), Nadine A Kasparian (0000-0001-8075-6817, UNSW Sydney)
Year2012
Volume22
Issue8
Pages1102-1113
Publication date2012-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732312448542
PMID22673092
OpenAlexW2137763204
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited66

In this study we explored the psychosocial experiences of melanoma survivors at high risk of developing new primary disease. A total of 20 survivors (9 men, 11 women, mean age 57.6 years) completed a semistructured telephone interview, exploring melanoma-related beliefs and experiences, psychological adjustment to melanoma risk, and supportive care needs. Participants perceived melanoma as potentially terminal and reported persistent worries about the possibility of developing new or metastatic disease. Fear of developing a new melanoma endured for years after treatment completion and, for some, created a pervasive sense of uncertainty. Still, not a single participant sought formal emotional support to address his or her melanoma-related concerns. Belief in the benefits of early intervention, including self- and clinical skin examination, provided a sense of control and a recommended course of action in an otherwise uncontrollable situation. The expertise of the High Risk Clinic physicians was perceived as instrumental in creating a sense of reassurance

Disease · Pathology · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Qualitative research · Sense of control · Behavioral Health and Interventions · BRCA gene mutations in cancer · Clinical Psychology · Media Influence and Health · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology

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