Paper short abstract:

Despite the elusiveness of a cure for cancer, therapeutic advancements have extended the lives of those affected by it. The chronification of cancer impacts aspects of daily life. The presentation shows results of a mixed-methods study regarding the impact of cancer rehabilitation in Austria.

Paper long abstract:

Despite the elusiveness of a cure for cancer, therapeutic advancements have extended the lives of those affected by the disease. The chronification of cancer impacts aspects of daily life for those with cancer, such as management of side effects, permanent physical weakness, and pain. In Austria, cancer patients under retirement age are eligible to attend state-sponsored, three-week, in-house cancer rehabilitation programs. The goals of rehabilitation are to help those with cancer regain responsibility for their personal duties and needs, and to reintroduce them to their place of employment. This paper presents results of an ongoing mixed-methods study regarding the impact and interpretation of cancer rehabilitation by attendees in Austria. Fieldwork is currently being carried out in two rehabilitation centers which are financed by different public social insurance programs in the province of Burgenland. Initial findings reveal a dichotomy between program coorindators' and patients' goals in regard to the process of cancer rehabilitation within and outside the center. Mauss´ (1934) theory of "body techniques" serves as a means of interpreting the diverse therapies and behaviors with the body that are applied by therapists to patients to overcome (temporary or permanent) physical impairments. Lock and Shper-Hughes (1987) concept of the "mindful body" can be applied to understand the discrepancies between the state's goal of reducing further healthcare costs related to cancer care, the personal needs of those living with cancer, and the society´s acceptance (or rejection) of the chronically ill.