Uncertainty and Guilt in Ovarian Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

Uncertainty is high in the ovarian cancer context; yet, limited research has focused on how uncertainty is experienced and managed by patients/survivors. This study, thus, examined sources and management of uncertainty among ovarian cancer patients/survivors. It analyzed qualitative interview data from 28 patients/survivors and found that possibility of disease recurrence, limited social buffer, and exposure to death contributed to uncertainties in women about finances, health, and relationships. Depending on how uncertainties were appraised, women managed these by adapting, regulating social interaction, or maintaining a sense of control. Also, survivor guilt was identified as a component of ovarian cancer survivorship.

Keywords:

• Ovarian cancer
• survivorship
• survivor guilt
• uncertainty

Acknowledgement

The author thanks Dr. Sandra Faulkner (Bowling Green State University) for providing feedback on earlier drafts of this manuscript.

Author information

Dinah A. Tetteh, PhD, is assistant professor of communication at Arkansas State University. Data for this study were collected at Bowling Green State University where the author received her PhD, while the manuscript was written at Arkansas State University.

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 I included each survivor’s age and stage of disease the first time she is mentioned in the text to provide context.