Health promotion and empowerment from the perspective of individuals living with head and neck cancer

The aim of this study was to shed light on health promotion from the perspective of individuals living with head and neck cancer. Eight informants were interviewed and latent content analysis was used. Individuals living with head and neck cancer experienced many problems that had a negative impact on their health. One overarching main theme was demonstrated; the ability to regain control and empower oneself. Three themes emerged: (1) Being enabled by dialogue with one's inner self, including three sub-themes: transformed and improved self-esteem, recognising and embracing existentiality, and increased self-determination. (2) Being enabled by means of contact with a social network, including two sub-themes: emotional support and practical support. (3) Being enabled by means of contact with and a passion for the environment, including two sub-themes: nature, hobbies and activities. Empowerment, the goal of health promotion, was understood as an ongoing process, and the ability to promote health varied and was dependent on internal and external enabling of acting and doing. The interpretation of this ongoing process demonstrates interplay assisted by a dialogue with one's inner self, contact with a social network and a passion for the environment. Altogether, these findings may inspire nurses and other health care professionals to support the individual's empowerment process and pose non-pathology-oriented questions such as "what improves your health?" or "what makes you feel good?"