M.A. (Social Work) / Cancer is a common condition and is becoming an important issue in South Africa. During their lifetime people may develop different forms of cancer such as lung -, throat -, skin -, colon -, and breast cancer. Cancer affects people of different age groups from small children up to older people. It cuts across different racial groups and different socio economic levels. The patient with cancer faces one of the greatest stress situations known to man. Cancer is frequently a chronic disease. Acute periods of illness or intensive therapy may interrupt periods of normality for months or years. Treatment may necessitate major alterations in lifestyle or normal body functions. The diagnosis of cancer is seen by many as synonymous with death. (Kellogg & Sullivan : 1978) Kellogg (1978) believes that the fear of loss of self determination, of being dependent and non - productive, can be more stressful than the prospect of death itself. The patient may also fear that the disease, the results of treatment, or the changes he presumes will result, will cause others to isolate or abandon him...

The purpose of the research was to explore the challenges faced by both employer and employee when the later undergoes active cancer treatment from a systemic perspective. A qualitative research was conducted using a case study of six sessions with both employer and employee. The study revealed that the employer and employee defined their relationship and boundaries as a system. The research project made a great impact on the researchers’ map regarding cancer or any other symptom, the person with cancer and the employer. In the researcher’s old map, before the research project, cancer implied a very threatening disease which rendered both the employer and the employee helpless and powerless. Through the research project the researcher discovered the significance of not having preconceived ideas as according to this study both the employer and employee had the freedom to punctuate their challenges in relation to the latter undergoing active treatment. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Science (Mental Health))

The purpose of the research was to explore the challenges faced by both employer and employee when the later undergoes active cancer treatment from a systemic perspective. A qualitative research was conducted using a case study of six sessions with both employer and employee. The study revealed that the employer and employee defined their relationship and boundaries as a system. The research project made a great impact on the researchers’ map regarding cancer or any other symptom, the person with cancer and the employer. In the researcher’s old map, before the research project, cancer implied a very threatening disease which rendered both the employer and the employee helpless and powerless. Through the research project the researcher discovered the significance of not having preconceived ideas as according to this study both the employer and employee had the freedom to punctuate their challenges in relation to the latter undergoing active treatment. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Science (Mental Health))