Social work, cancer survivorship and liminality: meeting the needs of young women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer

A diagnosis of cancer has a profound effect on an individual, as well as their family and friends. Whilst the period of time surrounding diagnosis and treatment is well recognised as a time of stress and upheaval, the impact of the transition into survivorship can often be underestimated. This article discusses the experiences of young women who had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, and were traversing the liminal space between cancer treatment and cancer survivorship. The women were interviewed as part of my doctoral research, and the themes that emerged from that research, such as the needs for identity reconstruction and fear of the unknown, are discussed. The implications for social work practice are discussed and the use of a narrative therapeutic approach is suggested as a method to assist social workers to meet the needs of those who are living with cancer.