“If the Dishes Don't Get Done Today, They'll Get Done Tomorrow”: A Breast Cancer Experience as a Catalyst for Changes to Women's Leisure

Abstract

Breast cancer is a life threatening illness experienced by many women. Although research is being conducted in various disciplines, the effect of breast cancer on the role of leisure throughout the illness experience has not been considered. The purpose of this study was to understand in what ways a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment alters women's experience and choice of leisure activities post-treatment. Eight women with breast cancer experiences participated. The findings indicated women's leisure changed by their making leisure a priority, seeking more meaningful leisure, and engaging in health promoting leisure. The research has implications for furthering our understanding of leisure entitlement, purposive leisure, and the ethic of care.

KEYWORDS:

• Cancer
• women's leisure
• negative life event
• illness