“Why Would You Say That? That Is the Worst Thing You Could Possibly Say”: Communication Work Among Young Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose:

Communication is a salient aspect of coping with cancer. Research suggests that young adult cancer survivors may experience unique challenges, including social isolation, fertility and family planning concerns, dating and marriage, and financial challenges. Little is known, however, about the types of communicative work young breast cancer survivors face.

Methods:

A total of 25 young breast cancer survivors between the ages of 18 and 39 participated in semi-structured interviews. The average age of the participants at the time of diagnosis was 34 (range = 26–39 years). Constant comparative analytic methods revealed themes relating to the types of communication work participants experienced.

Results:

Communication work was common among the participants. Specifically, the data revealed various types of communication work, including information work, relational work, emotion work, identity work, and coordination work.

Conclusions:

Communicative work persisted throughout breast cancer survivorship. Breast cancer survivors’ loved ones should be cognizant of such challenges to promote empathic conversations across the cancer trajectory.