Self‐advocacy and cancer: a concept analysis

AIM: To report an analysis of the concept of self-advocacy among individuals with cancer to clarify its meaning, to differentiate this meaning with related concepts, and to unify understanding of the concept in cancer research and practice. BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors are increasingly required to assume an active role in their health care. A thorough analysis of how survivors advocate for themselves is a crucial aspect in supporting survivors' ability to engage and manage their care throughout all stages of cancer survivorship. DESIGN: Walker and Avant's eight-step process of conducting a concept analysis was used. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched for articles, reviews, editorials, and grey literature directly addressing self-advocacy. REVIEW METHODS: A broad inquiry into the literature from 1960 to 2012 that produces a definition of self-advocacy. Model and contrary cases of self-advocacy demonstrate the concept's application and intricacies. RESULTS: Antecedents to self-advocacy include particular personal characteristics, learned skills, and attainable support. The essential element of self-advocacy and what differentiates it from related concepts, is the internalization of these antecedent resources into self-advocacy thoughts and actions while incorporating personal values and priorities in a way that upholds the survivors' goals and beliefs. A full realization of self-advocacy facilitates a cancer survivor attaining a strong self-concept, sense of control, and adaptation to a life with cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Self-advocacy is a process of internalizing skills and resources to act in a way that supports survivors' needs and goals.