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Hasan S, Chew KS, Balang RV, Wong SSL. Beyond the scars: a qualitative study on the experiences of mastectomy among young women with breast cancer in a country with crisis. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:596. [PMID: 37953265 PMCID: PMC10641941 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As breast cancer incidence rises among younger women, there is a knowledge gap regarding the emotional, physical, and social effects of mastectomy, specifically in a crisis-affected country such as Syria. This study aimed to explore these effects on young women with breast cancer in Syria, taking into consideration the cultural significance of a woman's breast as part of her feminine identity. METHODS A qualitative design, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 young women with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy, was conducted between June to December 2022. RESULTS Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and five main themes were identified: (1) psychological and emotional well-being (altered self-esteem and femininity, impact on sexual life and relationships, psychological distress associated with mastectomy, mirror trauma and the need for psychological care); (2) body image and breast reconstruction (the dilemma over reconstruction decision, body image and clothing and lack of access to prosthetic information/services); (3) social and interpersonal factors (lack of marriage choices and society's view and stigma); (4) coping mechanisms with mastectomy effects (family support; faith in god almighty; comparing their situation to others and use of prosthetics) and (5) physical health and functioning (physical effects on mobility and function). CONCLUSION Mastectomy has significant physical, emotional, and social consequences on young women with breast cancer, particularly in crisis-affected Syria where access to breast reconstruction is limited. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand these impacts, to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and promote less aggressive treatments to improve women's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaza Hasan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Keng Sheng Chew
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Rekaya Vincent Balang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Shirly Siew Ling Wong
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Bigdeli Shamloo MB, Shamsi A, Elahi N. Find Meaning and Help: The Lived Experiences and Support Needs of Iranian Muslim Husbands of Women Undergoing Mastectomy From Diagnosis to the End of Life. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231211627. [PMID: 37902105 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231211627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
The husbands of women undergoing mastectomy have been introduced as the patient's primary caregivers. This research was conducted to investigate the lived experiences of Iranian Muslim husbands of women undergoing mastectomy. In this phenomenological research, 18 participants were interviewed, and Van Menan's method of interpretation was used to interpret the data. 8 themes were extracted from the data analysis: physical problems, living in the shadow of fear and discomfort, and destiny is not blameless, modified roles, marital coldness, imposing a financial burden, spiritual care, and support failure. It is concluded that the husbands of these patients need comprehensive support, and the current support is not enough.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aziz Shamsi
- Assistant Professor of Nursing, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Nasrin Elahi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Chao YH, Wang SY, Sheu SJ. Decision-making process for breast-conserving therapy from the perspective of women with breast cancer: A grounded theory study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 66:102375. [PMID: 37499401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the decision-making and coping processes of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer receiving breast-conserving therapy. METHODS The grounded theory methodology approach was employed in this study. Purposive and theoretical sampling methods were used to enroll 27 women with stage I-III breast cancer. Individual interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, and data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. RESULTS The core category is "limitations of boundaries," which includes three categories: feminine body boundary, emotional boundary, and knowledge boundary. Clusters, conflicts, and changeability were among the unique contextual conditions. The decision-making process became more challenging because of the differences between the levels of knowledge of physicians and patients receiving treatment information. Women's actions and interactions included information seeking, controlling, negotiating, and accepting nondecision-making support. The consequences of decisions included redecision and reoperation, and most women did not regret receiving breast-conserving therapy. CONCLUSION Even after choosing breast-conserving therapy, some women may experience changes in treatment procedures. Medical professionals should identify women's challenges and limitations during their decision-making process, explain the benefits and drawbacks of different surgical modalities, address concerns about the outcome of breast-conserving surgery, and provide intellectual and emotional support for decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Huan Chao
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, HungKuang University Taiwan, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung City, 433304, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Shou-Yu Wang
- Discipline of Nursing, School of Health, University of New England, Australia; University of New England, Elm Avenue, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Shuh-Jen Sheu
- Institute of Community Health Care, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Taiwan, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC.
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Ammar-Shehada W, Abusaman K, Bracke P. Perceived support, social and marital challenges in the lives of breast cancer survivors after illness: a self-administered cross-sectional survey. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 8:1227529. [PMID: 37744401 PMCID: PMC10513897 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1227529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is a traumatic illness. BC is the leading female cancer in Palestine. Complex socio-political dynamics impact patients' lives, resulting in an increasing need for social support to develop resilience after illness. Methods Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey targeting women living in the Gaza Strip who had been diagnosed with BC. The survey was self-administered and distributed to 350 women between 1 March and 30 May 2021. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression analysis (SPSS, version 28.0) were used to explore perceived support, post-illness social and marital changes and the association between these changes and socio-demographic, illness-related and support-related variables. Findings About four-fifth of the women with BC felt supported after illness, either fully or partially, mainly by family members, non-governmental organisations, spouses, and peers. Nevertheless, nearly half of the women perceived negative social changes after illness, and about 40% of married or formerly married women perceived negative changes in their marital life. Survivors' lived experiences varied by age, marital status, motherhood, prescribed treatment (specifically mastectomy), and the absence of informal support in social life and lack of partner support amongst married or formerly married women. Conclusion This study shows how BC undermines the social status of women and further exacerbates existing social vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, it is possible to manage and potentially overturn this circumstance by enveloping patients with social support. Guiding partners, families, and friends on providing emotional and instrumental support will help survivors to cope better during recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piet Bracke
- Health and Demographic Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Rodrigues ECG, Neris RR, Nascimento LC, de Oliveira-Cardoso ÉA, Dos Santos MA. Body image experience of women with breast cancer: A meta-synthesis. Scand J Caring Sci 2023; 37:20-36. [PMID: 35781312 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body image is a multidimensional concept that involves the mental image of the human body and the feeling of being oneself throughout existence. Treatment for breast cancer causes several bodily changes that affect women's body image. AIMS This meta-synthesis aims to synthesise and interpret primary qualitative studies on the experience of body image in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. METHODS A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted employing systematic searches in six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and LILACS). Data analysis was performed according to thematic synthesis. RESULTS Forty studies were included. Five descriptive themes were identified: (1) actively saying goodbye to body image; (2) the rupture of body image; (3) the sacrifice of body image in exchange for life; (4) body image as a vehicle for social expression; and (5) resignation of the alterated body image. These themes were understood through one analytical theme: Half-woman: body image of the woman with breast cancer. CONCLUSION The experience of body image in the context of breast cancer is a dynamic phenomenon, which involves dismissal, rupture, and resignation and occurs mediated by interpersonal contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rhyquelle Rhibna Neris
- College of Nursing at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Manoel Antônio Dos Santos
- Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Lundberg PC, Phoosuwan N. Life situations of Swedish women after mastectomy due to breast cancer: A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2022; 57:102116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Ośmiałowska E, Misiąg W, Chabowski M, Jankowska-Polańska B. Coping Strategies, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194469. [PMID: 34640484 PMCID: PMC8509228 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Each year, around 16,500 women in Poland are diagnosed with breast cancer, the second most common cause of death in women. In Poland, nearly 70,000 women live with breast cancer diagnosed within the last 5 years. Quality of life (QoL) research is particularly important in cancer patients, as it provides knowledge on their psychological and physical health, as well as the environment in which the patients function, all of which is essential to implementing multidisciplinary care involving the best use of the appropriate methods. Carrying the burden of cancer is a major challenge for patients. The strategy that patients use to cope with breast cancer significantly affects their quality of life. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of coping strategies on the QoL in breast cancer patients. Material and Methods: The prospective study included a group of 202 women who had undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer at the Lower Silesian Cancer Center and who reported for follow-up appointments at the Oncology Clinic and the Surgical Oncology Clinic. For the study, we used the: EORTC QLQ-C30 cancer questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-BR23 module, Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC) scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, as well as the patients’ medical records, hospital records, and our own survey form. Results: The mean patient age was 53 years. Most patients had been diagnosed with cancer between one and two years before. In the women studied, there was a negative association between QoL and the choice of a destructive strategy for coping with cancer, and a positive one between QoL and a constructive coping strategy. Severe pain caused by the disease and its treatment significantly decreased the patients’ QoL in multiple domains. Conclusions: Patients choosing constructive strategies obtained higher QoL scores, while greater reliance on destructive coping strategies was associated with significantly worse QoL. In all functioning domains, higher levels of pain were associated with poorer QoL and more severe symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Ośmiałowska
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-618 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Weronika Misiąg
- Student Research Group No 180, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Chabowski
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Division of Oncology and Palliative Care, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-618 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Surgery, 4th Military Teaching Hospital, 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Jankowska-Polańska
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-618 Wroclaw, Poland
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