Processing the trauma of gynaecological cancer through reading and writing: Women’s experiences from digital storytelling after treatment

In this article we explore the potential significance of illness stories in cancer rehabilitation by describing gynaecological cancer survivors' experiences from both reading other women's illness stories as well as writing their own. Individual texts were written by fifty-nine women who had recently finished primary cancer treatment while participating in an e-intervention. These texts were analyzed, inspired by Braun and Clark's method of analysis. Our analysis led to two main themes; "Recognition - understanding oneself through others" and "Processing and adapting to a changed everyday life." We found that reading and writing about cancer can pave the way for the individual woman's recognition, normalization, belonging, and path to acceptance. However, this work can be painful as it can trigger memories of going through the cancer experience. Health personnel must be aware of both potentials and pitfalls and be sure to give the support needed.