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Güvener YÖ. The Significance of Religion and Spirituality Among Turkish Women Surviving Breast Cancer Without Treatment: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024:10.1007/s10943-024-02039-y. [PMID: 38619687 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The health of breast cancer survivors is a global concern. It is crucial to adopt a holistic approach when understanding their journey from illness to wellness in order to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible. This study focused on the experiences of Muslim women who had overcome breast cancer and were adapting to life post-treatment. Snowball sampling was used to select the participants for this qualitative study. Fifteen women who had successfully completed breast cancer treatment and been declared cancer-free were interviewed. These interviews were semi-structured, using open-ended questions to explore their experiences in-depth. The interviews were conducted by phone, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The study identified four main themes, nine subthemes, and 41 codes. The main themes were as follows: (a) a life changed by cancer and the difficulties encountered; (b) transition from active treatment to treatment-free living; (c) coping mechanisms; and (d) future hopes and expectations. The findings highlighted the survivors' desire to move past their experience of cancer and normalize their lives, as well as emphasizing their need for support. The participants shared detailed accounts of their journey, the obstacles they encountered during this transition, and the critical role of religion and spirituality in overcoming these challenges. Understanding and effectively managing the experiences of women after breast cancer treatment is vital not only for improving survival rates but also for facilitating their healing process.
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Sarang B, Bhandarkar P, Parsekar SS, Patil P, Venghateri JB, Ghoshal R, Veetil DK, Shah P, Gadgil A, Roy N. Concerns and coping mechanisms of breast cancer survivor women from Asia: a scoping review. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:528. [PMID: 37597043 PMCID: PMC10439845 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07996-w] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of breast cancer has increased significantly in Asia due to epidemiological transition and changes in human development indices. Advancement in medical technology has improved prognosis with a resultant increase in survivorship issues. The effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are influenced by the patient's cultural beliefs and social systems. This scoping review aims to summarise concerns and coping mechanisms of women with breast cancer in Asia and understand gaps in the existing literature. METHODS We performed a scoping review using the population-concept-context strategy. A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed, Web of Science), CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Embase was conducted for studies conducted in Asia on women diagnosed with breast cancer, identifying their concerns and coping mechanisms, published between January 2011 and January 2021. Data from included studies were reported using frequencies and percentages. RESULTS We included 163 studies, of which most (81%) were conducted in hospital settings. Emotional and psychological concerns were reported in 80% of studies, followed by physical appearance and body-image concerns in 46%. Social support (59%), emotion-based coping (46%), spirituality, and problem-based coping (37%) were the major coping systems documented. CONCLUSION The mapped literature documented that anxiety, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence dominated women's emotional concerns. Women coped with the help of social support, positive reappraisal, and faith in God and religion. Sensitization of caregivers, including healthcare professionals and family members, to context-specific concerns and inquiry into the patients' available support systems is essential in strengthening breast cancer women's recovery and coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhakti Sarang
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMICs, Mumbai, India
- Department of Surgery, Terna Medical College & Hospital, New Mumbai, India
| | - Prashant Bhandarkar
- Department of Statistics, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research on Surgical Care Delivery in LMICs, BARC Hospital, Mumbai, India
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Shradha S Parsekar
- Public Health Evidence South Asia, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Priti Patil
- Department of Statistics, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research on Surgical Care Delivery in LMICs, BARC Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Rakhi Ghoshal
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMICs, Mumbai, India
- CARE India, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Deepa Kizhakke Veetil
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMICs, Mumbai, India
- Department of Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Priyansh Shah
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMICs, Mumbai, India
| | - Anita Gadgil
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMICs, Mumbai, India
| | - Nobhojit Roy
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in LMICs, Mumbai, India.
- Research Affiliate, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Zhu F, Liu C, Zhang W, Qiang W, Yin X, Lu Q. The mediating effect of coping styles between self-compassion and body image disturbance in young breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:178. [PMID: 37221483 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01342-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young breast cancer survivors with body image disturbance have poor quality of life. Self-compassion and different coping styles can influence their body image. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between self-compassion, coping styles, and body image disturbance, and examined the mediation role of coping styles between self-compassion and body image disturbance among young breast cancer survivors in China. METHODS In the cross-sectional study, a total of 310 young women with breast cancer were assessed on self-compassion, coping styles, and body image disturbance by self-reported questionnaires in China. Spearman's correlation was used to test the links between variables and to verify the indirect effects between variables by constructing a structural equation model. RESULTS There were correlations between self-compassion, different coping styles, and body image disturbance. Confrontation, avoidance, and acceptance-resignation coping had significant mediation effects on the association between self-compassion and body image disturbance. The mediation effects of confrontation coping were greater than avoidance, and acceptance-resignation coping. CONCLUSIONS In this study, different coping styles acted as mediators between self-compassion and body image disturbance, providing support for further understanding the mechanism between self-compassion and body image disturbance, and developing comprehensive interventions for body image disturbance. Oncology nurses should pay attention to the breast cancer survivors' self-compassion and coping styles and encourage them to adopt adaptive coping strategies, which can reduce body image disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhu
- School of Nursing, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Chunlei Liu
- School of Nursing, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wan Zhang
- School of Nursing, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wanmin Qiang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoping Yin
- School of Nursing, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Division of Medical & Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Peking University, #38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Ahn J, Suh EE. Body image alteration in women with breast cancer: A concept analysis using an evolutionary method. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2023; 10:100214. [PMID: 37213808 PMCID: PMC10199402 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Women with breast cancer experience changes in body image, a key predictor of overall quality of life. Body image alteration has been recognized in scholarly circles and is actively being researched on; however, a comprehensive conceptualization of body image alteration from an oncological perspective is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the concept of body image alteration in women within the context of breast cancer based on Rodgers' evolutionary method. Methods A literature search using a combination of the keywords "breast neoplasms" and "body image" was conducted via PubMed, CINAHL, EMbase, PsycInfo, KISS, and RISS. Peer-reviewed journal articles related to body image alteration in women with breast cancer, published from 2001 to 2020, were included in this study. Results Three critical attributes of body image alteration were identified: "dismantling the existing body image," "transitioning to the altered body," and "re-integrating a new body image." Antecedents included "breast cancer and its treatment," "awakening to the sociocultural norms of a feminine body," and "triggering events for reflecting on one's body." The consequences were "psychological well-being or distress," "strengthening or breakdown of intimate relationships," "enhancement or impairment of social functioning," and "adherence or resistance to breast cancer treatment." Conclusions This study provides comprehensive conceptualizations that encompass individual, interpersonal, and sociocultural components and cover both negative and positive changes in body image from a long-term perspective. This may offer a useful framework that can be used to develop effective interventions for body image improvement and accelerate further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghee Ahn
- College of Nursing, Seoul National Univeristy, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Eunice Suh
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author.
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Kocan S, Aktug C, Gursoy A. "Who am I?" A qualitative meta-synthesis of Chemotherapy-induced alopecia and body image perception in breast cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:237. [PMID: 36973593 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since alopecia may be the first physical evidence and sign of cancer diagnosis and treatment, it may have a more serious and challenging effect on a woman than the loss of breast tissue. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to summarize the current qualitative research which explores the body image perceptions of breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia. MATERIAL AND METHODS We searched three electronic databases and reviewed studies from December 2011 to December 2021 for qualitative results analysing the experiences of women with breast cancer and chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical (JBI) appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the targeted studies. The Meta-synthesis process developed by Sandelowski and Barroso was used to collect and analyse the data. RESULTS We discovered two main and five sub-themes from the meta-synthesis findings of 11 qualitative studies involving 225 women. The main themes were "I am not comfortable in this body" and "Who am I?". The first main theme revealed patients' intense reactions to their hair loss: "I'm in emotional chaos", "I am looking for a place to hide" and "I knew it and now I'm experiencing it".The second main theme of "Who am I?" contained two sub-themes: "What did my hair take from my femininity when it was gone?" and "Will I lose my partner after my hair?". CONCLUSION Meta-synthesis provided an up-to-date and integrated interpretation of scientific results about the experiences of women with breast cancer, alopecia, and their body image perceptions. This interpretation will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the alopecia-body image relationship. Thus, the aim of the meta-synthesis results is that these will contribute to nurses' understanding of how alopecia, although a temporary symptom, affects women's perceptions of body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema Kocan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey.
| | - Cemile Aktug
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Gümüshane University, Gümüshane, Turkey
| | - Ayla Gursoy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Antalya Bılım University, Antalya, Turkey
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Srivastava P, Felonis CR, Piers AD, Nunez N, Fitzpatrick B, Juarascio A, Manasse S. Reward mediates the association between engagement in noneating activities and state body dissatisfaction: An ecological momentary assessment study. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:562-573. [PMID: 36444116 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Momentary worsening (i.e., greater than one's average levels) of state body dissatisfaction (BD) has been implicated as a proximal risk factor for eating disorder (ED) behaviors in binge-spectrum EDs. Yet, research exploring the prospective association between noneating activities in daily life (e.g., chores, self-care/coping) and momentary state BD remains limited. Understanding the momentary link between engagement in noneating activities and state BD, and pathways through which engagement in said activities influences momentary state BD is critical to informing treatments. The current ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study examined whether (1) engagement in noneating activities at Time 1 prospectively predicted momentary state BD at Time 2 and (2) reward drawn from noneating activities at Time 1 mediates the prospective association between engagement in noneating activities at Time 1 and momentary state BD at Time 2. METHOD Sixty-six adults with transdiagnostic binge eating completed an EMA protocol over 7-14 days. Participants received six EMA signals per day (total EMA observations = 4038). Multilevel modeling was used to examine the research questions. RESULTS Engagement in an indoor hobby, outdoor recreation, socializing, and self-care/coping strategies prospectively predicted momentary state BD improvements, while using TV/social media and cooking prospectively predicted momentary state BD worsening. Reward drawn from engagement in these noneating activities mediated the associations. DISCUSSION If replicated, these findings suggest that increasing the frequency of certain noneating activities and enhancing their rewarding aspects to improve state BD and decrease ED behavior risk during treatment may be worthy of further exploration. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Momentary worsening of state body dissatisfaction (BD) is a risk factor for eating disorder behaviors in individuals with binge eating. This study found that engaging in certain noneating activities (e.g., socializing) prospectively predicted momentary improvements in state BD, while other noneating activities (e.g., cooking) predicted momentary worsening of state BD. Reward drawn from activities mediated these relations. To improve state BD, treatments should target the frequency of, and reward obtained from these noneating activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paakhi Srivastava
- Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina R Felonis
- Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amani D Piers
- Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicole Nunez
- Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brighid Fitzpatrick
- Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adrienne Juarascio
- Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephanie Manasse
- Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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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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Sukartini T, Permata Sari YI. Women with breast cancer living with one breast after a mastectomy. CENTRAL EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY 2021. [DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2021.12.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Amini-Tehrani M, Zamanian H, Daryaafzoon M, Andikolaei S, Mohebbi M, Imani A, Tahmasbi B, Foroozanfar S, Jalali Z. Body image, internalized stigma and enacted stigma predict psychological distress in women with breast cancer: A serial mediation model. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:3412-3423. [PMID: 33969915 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the roles of total stigma, enacted stigma, and internalized stigma in the prediction of psychological distress among breast cancer patients, and to evaluate the mediating effect of body image in this process. DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS Between Oct-2014 to May-2015, a cross-sectional study was conducted with participation of 223 patients from three cancer centres located in Tehran, Iran. The study variables were assessed using the stigma scale for chronic illnesses 8-item version (SSCI-8), body image scale (BIS), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21). Structural equation modelling using MLR estimator was employed based on the two-step procedure to validate both the full measurement models and the structural models. Five models were tested to determine predictability of all stigma constructs for psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression, through the mediation of body image. Three equivalent models were further examined to re-evaluate the direction of the relationships. RESULTS Psychological distress and body image were largely predicted by total stigma, enacted stigma, and internalized stigma. The effect of stigma on psychological distress was mediated through body image. In a serial mediation model, the significance of the pathway of enacted stigma > internalized stigma > body image > psychological distress was confirmed. The serial model in which internalized stigma precedes body image was also supported by the equivalent models. CONCLUSION Stigma has been identified as a major source of psychological distress among women with breast cancer. Enacted stigma not only psychologically disturbs the patients but also triggers a chain of other identity transformations (i.e. internalization of stigma and distortion of body image), their ultimate result being a full-blown psychological distress. IMPACT Both enacted and internalized stigma distorts breast cancer patients' perception of their body image, which in turn renders them psychologically distressed. The serial process of enacted stigma, internalized stigma, and body image plays an important role in perpetuating distress in these patients. To break this chain of psychological consequences and for interventions to have a greater impact on overall well-being of patients, the effect of enacted stigma on distress via the sequence of two mediators needs to be specifically targeted at each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadali Amini-Tehrani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Health Psychology and Behavior Medicine Research Group, Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Zamanian
- School of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mona Daryaafzoon
- Department of Psychology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | | | - Mahshid Mohebbi
- Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Arefeh Imani
- Department of Psychology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Bita Tahmasbi
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences(IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Foroozanfar
- Department of Psychology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Zahra Jalali
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Hu RY, Wang JY, Chen WL, Zhao J, Shao CH, Wang JW, Wei XM, Yu JM. Stress, coping strategies and expectations among breast cancer survivors in China: a qualitative study. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:26. [PMID: 33557956 PMCID: PMC7869238 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00515-8] [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: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is a common tumor in China and has become a public health problem in modern society. Stress plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of cancer. At present, the current situation of stress on breast cancer survivors (BCSs) in China has not been fully understood. This study aims to explore the stress and coping strategies of Chinese BCSs, which provide suggestions to help BCSs reduce stress. Methods Sixty-three BCSs from the Shanghai Cancer Rehabilitation Club in China were included in this study and were divided into eight focus groups. These were transcribed verbatim, coded using thematic analysis and analyzed using NVivo 11. Results Three themes were extracted from the data to address our research objectives: stress, coping strategies and expectations. The stress of BCSs included psychological stress, stress caused by physical pain, economic stress, stress caused by the change of life status, and stress caused by information overload; the coping strategies included self-strategies and help from others; from the perspective of the survivors, they put forward their expectations for both the society and themselves. Conclusions This study shows that BCSs face a variety of stress. In the face of stress, BCSs need comprehensive support, including social and family support to cope with stressors. The findings from this study provide evidence for improving the quality of life among BCSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Yu Hu
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jing-Ya Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan-Li Chen
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Hai Shao
- Department of Nutrition, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ji-Wei Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiao-Min Wei
- Shanghai Health Promotion Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin-Ming Yu
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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The Experiences and Support Needs of Women With Gestational Breast Cancer in Singapore: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. Cancer Nurs 2020; 45:E263-E269. [PMID: 33252405 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational breast cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy or within the first postpartum year. There is a lack of studies on the experiences of ethnically diverse Asian women with gestational breast cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Asian women with gestational breast cancer so necessary support can be rendered. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study used purposive sampling to recruit 7 women with gestational breast cancer who were following up at the breast center of a tertiary women's hospital in Singapore. Semistructured, individual, face-to-face, audio-recorded interviews were used to explore the in-depth experiences of these women. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Three main themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) being a sick woman, (2) juggling between being a mother and a patient, and (3) seeking normalcy. Women had to contend with disruptive changes from gestational breast cancer, both emotionally and physically. They were constantly distressed by their altered body images, and family support was vital to help these women cope with their treatments. Alternative support sources included healthcare professionals and the Internet. CONCLUSION Gestational breast cancer experiences varied based on the women's encounter perceptions and existing support. Their experiences may be improved through further support to mediate their coping efforts. Future quantitative and qualitative research should explore and evaluate the various aspects of the long-term disease and psychosocial effects of gestational breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Hospitals should include support strategies in antenatal classes and postnatal workshops to lessen disruptions of the motherhood experiences.
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Yamani Ardakani B, Tirgari B, Roudi Rashtabadi O. Body image and its relationship with coping strategies: The views of Iranian breast cancer women following surgery. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2019; 29:e13191. [PMID: 31773860 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer treatments not only affect body image but also other aspects of women's lives. Women try to accept their appearance through coping strategies. This study aimed to determine the relationship between body image and coping strategies in women with breast cancer following surgery in southeast Iran. METHODS This is a descriptive study with correlational design. This study recruited 180 women with breast cancer following surgery via convenience sampling (71 women with mastectomy, 109 women with breast conservative surgery). Data were collected by a three-part questionnaire: Background data; Body Image Scale; Body Image Coping Strategies Inventory, and were analyzed by SPSS 19 and descriptive and analytical statistics (independent t, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression). RESULTS The mean score of body image was 14.31 ± 6.61 (ranged from 0 to 30), and coping strategies was 46.16 ± 13.26 (ranged from 0 to 87). According to the mean scores, the women were, on average, satisfied with their body image. The most frequent strategy used was "positive rational acceptance" with a mean score of 23.30 ± 6.19 and the least used strategy was "avoidance" with a mean score of 10.35 ± 4.50. A significant relationship was observed between body image and coping strategies (r = .34, p = .001); women who felt worse about their own body image were found to use more coping strategies. CONCLUSION Women using positive rational acceptance were likely to report favorable body image. Thus, promoting positive attitude regarding physical appearance and coping skills screening by trained nurses is recommended for all breast cancer patients after their surgery. Such screenings can result in an appropriate flow of information between nurses and patients about the body image and coping skills applied. Being aware of their positive coping strategies can help women, and prepare them to use the coping strategies required to improve their body image and to enhance their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Batool Tirgari
- Nursing Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Omsalimeh Roudi Rashtabadi
- Nursing Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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