Breast cancer survivors’ experiences of living with treatment choices of breast cancer: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction Breast cancer is a prevalent and burdensome disease, with high incidence and mortality rates globally. Although there is a high incidence rate of breast cancer, there are also a high number of survivors who face the challenges associated with the treatment such as side-effects, fear of recurrence, body image issues, and sexual dysfunction. This study explores the lives and care of breast cancer survivors' after receiving treatment.

Aim of study To examine how breast cancer survivors’ treatment choices affected how they coped and resumed normal life after breast cancer treatment.

Methods A qualitative descriptive research design was used to examine breast cancer survivors’ experiences of how they faced the challenges in their daily life after treatments. Purposive sampling was used to recruit three participants who had received different treatments. Semi-structured interviews and inductive thematic analysis were used.

Results Our study illustrated the impacts of different treatments and major challenges for breast cancer survivors. The data reflected their feelings and attitudes after treatments, support received to cope with the difficulties and return to normal life.

Conclusion Breast cancer survivors who had received different treatments faced challenges when resuming to normal life. This exploratory study highlighted that greater attention should be given to the treatment-related information for building professional-patient relationships and supporting breast cancer women in making treatment choices.