Abstract
This study examines stigma and identity changes in prostate cancer survivors’ illness accounts. Noteworthy events included diagnosis, the consequent search for information, the treatment decision, and posttreatment changes. Although their stories lacked the before/after identity shift of most illness narratives, survivors characterized themselves as uncertain upon diagnosis, then as information seekers. Narrators described physicians as information sources and social support groups as sources of information and emotional support. Survivors acknowledged the permanent, stigmatizing “cancer” label. These observations suggest implications related to stigma, identity, creating positive meanings in illness narratives, changing roles of physicians, and alternative means of generating support.
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