Qualitative exploration of how breast cancer survivors live and cope after treatment

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Breast cancer is a common and burdensome disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the high incidence of breast cancer, a significant number of survivors face challenges associated with 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, with the aim to examine how breast cancer survivors’ treatment choices affected how they coped and resumed normal life after breast cancer treatment.

<b>Methods:</b> A qualitative descriptive research design was used to examine breast cancer survivors' experiences of coping with daily life challenges after treatment. Three participants who had received different treatments were recruited using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews and inductive thematic analysis were used.

<b>Results:</b> Our study illustrated the impacts of different treatments and major challenges faced by breast cancer survivors. The data reflected their feelings and attitudes after treatments and the support they received in coping with the difficulties of returning normal life. Three themes were generated from the data included individual breast cancer treatment and advice received; changes to life after breast cancer treatment; and support to overcome challenges.

<b>Conclusion:</b> Breast cancer survivors face immense challenges following different treatments. More attention should be paid to treatment-related information to provide closer relationships and support to breast cancer women when making treatment choices.