The psychological effects of mesothelioma in the UK military context from the carer’s perspective: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Mesothelioma is an incurable asbestos-related cancer with a high symptom burden and poor prognosis. Risk of asbestos exposure to Armed Forces personnel has been identified, e.g., from ships’ boiler rooms and damaged buildings. Mesothelioma’s long lead time means cases in the military context tend to be amongst veterans. Research shows British veterans and their carers are likely to have particular needs regarding accessing health services and support.

A scoping review showed research into the lived experience of mesothelioma patients was sparse, with a resulting lack of awareness of the disease’s unique psychosocial impact. This applied to carers as well as patients. This study therefore aimed to explore the psychological effects of mesothelioma in the UK military context from the carer’s perspective.

The study was designed in two stages. Stage One was a secondary data analysis (SDA) of existing interview data from the Military Mesothelioma Experience Study (MiMES). Stage Two comprised semi-structured interviews conducted September 2020 to March 2021 with six family carers of UK veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodology was used for both.

From the SDA, three super-ordinate themes were developed: ‘Control and responsibility’; ‘Openness: is it safe?’; and ‘Human connections: getting support’. Three super-ordinate themes were then developed from the main interview study: ‘Going the extra mile’; ‘Staying the same person’; and ‘Needing to know’.

The findings of Stages One and Two are discussed in combination. The thesis’s original contributions in terms of knowledge and methodology are considered, along with strengths and limitations of the study. The findings are discussed in relation to existing published research, including the literature on hyper-masculine military culture; moral injury; survivor guilt; and relationship-centred care. Implications for practice in the care and support of UK veterans and carers living with mesothelioma are suggested, and recommendations made for future research.