All change: the lived experience of younger women with cancer of the vulva

Aims and objectives. To generate an understanding of the women’s own perspectives of their care and address a gap in knowledge in relation to the broader impact of vulval cancer. Background. Few people go though life without experiencing events that can change their perspective on how they see themselves, their role in society and their relationship with those around them. People are multi‐dimensional, so a person with has a physical illness is also affected psychologically and sociologically. Design. Qualitative. Methods. Based on the work of Heidegger and van Manen, an interpretative phenomenological research study was undertaken to explore the experiences of thirteen women under 50 years of age with vulval cancer living in the UK. Results. Data were analysed using framework analysis and showed that a diagnosis of cancer of the vulva and the subsequent treatment has an effect on physical, psychological and sexual functioning. Conclusions. The concept of ‘All Change’ expressed the sentiment that following the diagnosis and surgery, everything has changed; life is not the same as it was before diagnosis. This included both physical and psychological changes and impacts on perceptions of body image. Relevance to clinical practice. The challenge is to raise awareness of vulval cancer among health care professions and society in general and determine the most effective interventions in facilitating pre and post operative support for these women.