Completed Research Project

A narrative study of autobiographical accounts of cancer: exploration of metaphor and health care information

Investigators: White K, Giblett R, & E Cooper.

Funding: Edith Cowan University Faculty Small Grant Scheme ($5,000).

Abstract:  Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in western society.  The diagnosis of cancer is, not surprisingly, regarded as being more fearful than any other diagnosis, instilling feelings of shock, grief, uncertainty and lack of control.  Many people, diagnosed with cancer, or whose loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer, often look to gain further information about the disease or other people’s experiences along the disease trajectory, in an effort to help them adjust to their fear and uncertainty.  Hearing of other people’s experience and these people’s ability to find strength and courage in the face of difficult circumstances, helps to empower people to deal with their own situation.  Narratives in the form of books written by cancer sufferers are one such source of information.  This study analysed five narrative texts written by cancer sufferers, from both a literary and a health care perspective, with the aim of providing an insight into how health care professionals and services, as well as family and friends, can better care and provide for those suffering or dying from cancer.  The five autobiographical illness narratives reviewed as part of this study were found to contain significant amounts of both metaphors and medical information.  Both the type and number of metaphors used as well as the amount of medical information delivered appears to be closely related to the author’s background, occupation and reason for writing their story.   Similarly there appears to be common metaphors, common categories of medical information as well as common themes of discussion that run between the five narratives.  These common threads are perhaps the most important messages that the collective authors would like to impart to their readers.  What is also clearly expressed through both the authors’ careful and thoughtful use of accurate medical information and visually descriptive metaphors is the feeling of responsibility that the authors feel for providing their readers with honest and truthful accounts of what cancer is and how it has affected their lives.