I have cancer : an annotated bibliography of New Zealand related cancer experiences in the personal narrative

Abstract

Autobiographical cancer experiences reveal vulnerability, strength of character, contain tacit knowledge and provide tangible evidence that people are learning to live with incredible changes to their lives and bodies because of cancer. This bibliography is the only collection of annotated resources relating to New Zealand about the personal experience after being diagnosed with cancer or caring for someone with cancer. It is not a comprehensive bibliography but an introduction to the social construction of cancer for people within a certain time. The bibliography contains annotations for 185 resources. The resources include books, articles, websites and a short film. The authors are from varying ages, cultures and genders. All resources are in English and written from the perspective of a caregiver or cancer patient. This annotated bibliography will provide added value to the information industry primarily by being the first to focus solely on the New Zealand subjective cancer experience. Being available in Victoria University library and online at http://nzcancerexperiences.50webs.com; having multiple formats and a broad author scope sets the basis for an ongoing bibliography which will be accessible to and benefit a wide audience.