A narrative inquiry into the experiences of one family's predisposition_A Framp_Redacted.pdf (2.98 MB)
A narrative inquiry into the experiences of one family's predisposition to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
Cancer is a challenging chronic disease. For families affected by hereditary cancers, understanding and adapting to the disease is complex. A Maori family in New Zealand have recently been found to have a genetically inherited form of stomach cancer – hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. They are armed with genetic knowledge about their predisposition to the disease and can take steps to avert the cancer but this knowledge does create risk and psychosocial ramifications.
The aim of the study was to explore the experience of being predisposed to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer from members on one Maori family. The existing literature had an advanced scientific understanding of the cancer and led to useful treatment guidelines, but a subjective understanding of the experience of the cancer was limited. The study reported in this thesis used a narrative inquiry methodology to understand the subjective experience of being predisposed to the stomach cancer. Eight people were interviewed and the stories they shared revealed the complexities of how the illness was uniquely experienced, in context, and over time. Nuances were also uncovered about human interactions with health care providers.
History
Location
Central Queensland UniversityAdditional Rights
I hereby grant to Central Queensland University or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part through Central Queensland University’s Institutional Repository, ACQUIRE, in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all copyright, including the right to use future works (such as articles or books), all or part of this thesis or dissertation.Open Access
- Yes
Era Eligible
- No
Supervisor
Professor Margaret McAllister ; Associate Professor Trudy DwyerThesis Type
- Doctoral Thesis