Typologies for restructuring relationships in cancer survivorship: temporal changes in social support and engagement with self-management practices

Background: Cancer survivors with good social support are generally more
motivated to undertake self-management behaviors and make lifestyle changes.
However, the impact of changes in social support over time, from prediagnosis
through treatment and into survivorship, on the health and recovery of cancer
survivors with a range of cancer diagnoses has not been explored. Objective: The
aim of this study was to examine how temporal changes in social support offered to
cancer survivors by family and friends influence their engagement with
self-management practices and adaptation to lifestyle changes. Methods: The
interview study took place in a teaching hospital in the West Midlands, United
Kingdom. Forty participants were purposively sampled. A narrative approach to
data collection was chosen, and data were thematically analyzed. Results: Six
typologies of restructuring relationships postcancer were identified. A greater
understanding of the changes to social relationships that a cancer diagnosis can
incur and the impact of this on people"s outlook and ability to self-manage was
developed. Conclusion: The restructuring of social relationships by cancer
survivors over time can impact their outlook and ability to self-manage in
survivorship, shaping their engagement with health promoting activities and
reconciling cancer within the wider context of their lives. Implications for
Practice: Appropriate clinical nursing processes and tailored interventions are