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Alcohol abuse in cancer patients: a shadow side in the oncological field and research

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Abstract

This article aims to foreground alcohol abuse by cancer patients and explore how alcohol abuse functions as a biographic master motive and at the same time is a shadow side in the oncological field and research. The research is based on a single case study which draws on empirical material from interviews, field notes and staff policy, with analysis using Bourdieu’s concepts of trajectory of life and habitus. The findings show that the cancer patient’s alcohol abuse is an important part of the trajectory of his private life and spare time. In social life with family and friends alcohol is given and normal and acts as a socialisator. Alcohol abuse provides both stability and instability in the cancer patient’s life. When cancer results in work breaks and retirement, and spare time often is used as drinking time, then all daily life becomes drinking time for the cancer patient. Alcohol is often a hidden abuse at the working place and in the oncological field. In meetings with healthcare professionals, the patient chooses not to speak about his alcohol abuse to avoid further medicalisation. The challenge for the healthcare professionals is to see and accept alcohol abusers with cancer and their social lives without always trying to change their ‘unhealthy’ lifestyles.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks to all the informants and the collaborative oncological clinic. Thanks to Lise Bjerrum Thisted for clinical assistance. Thanks to Sidsel-Marie Glasdam for transcriptions. Thanks to Penny Bayer (UK) for proof reading. This work was partly supported by the Danish Nurses’ Organisation and Institute of Nursing, Metropolitan University College.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Nursing, Health Sciences Centre, Lund University, Box 157, 221 00, Lund, Sweden

    Stinne Glasdam

  2. Division of Health, Stord/Haugesund University College, Postboks 5000, 5409, Stord, Norway

    Christine Øye

  3. Centre for Care Research, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway

    Christine Øye

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  1. Stinne Glasdam
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  2. Christine Øye
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Correspondence to Stinne Glasdam.

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Glasdam, S., Øye, C. Alcohol abuse in cancer patients: a shadow side in the oncological field and research. Med Health Care and Philos 17, 437–446 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11019-013-9541-x

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