Communication and Cancer? Part II

Abstract

In Part I, the authors pointed out that despite the increasing focus on communication in psychosocial oncology, a comprehensive review of the literature revealed that the primary emphasis has been individuals' self-reported experiences rather than naturally occurring interactions between cancer patients, family members, and health professionals. Thus, an empirical foundation for understanding communication activities is in its infancy. In Part II, the authors provide an overview of “conversation analysis” as an alternative method for studying patterns of interaction during medical encounters and family interactions. Transcribed excerpts from ongoing research, focusing on how family members talk through cancer on the telephone, exemplify how “news delivery sequences” and “managing optimism” are crucial resources for understanding and dealing with cancer journeys. The authors conclude by discussing the need for discernment between self-report and interactional data, the usefulness of conversation analysis for oncology professionals, and the possibilities for collaborative research.

Key Words:

• Communication
• psychosocial oncology
• conversation analysis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Wayne A. Beach

Dr. Beach is a Professor, School of Communication, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182–4561. He also is an Adjunct Professor, Division of Surgery, and an Associate Member, Rebecca & John Moores Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego.