Threat to survival, the main concern of breast cancer survivors: A qualitative content analysis

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. The evaluation of breast cancer patient’s experiences, allows the identification of those areas of care that require to be improved. The present study aimed to explain breast cancer survivors’ experiences. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 21 breast cancer patients who were in various stages (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and post-treatment period), seven family members of the patient, five nurses, and four specialists. Sampling was performed by the purposive method. Data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method. The interviews were first recorded and transcribed, and then the data were analyzed using the Granheim and Lundman's method. Data management was done with MAXQDA software version 10. To achieve trustworthiness, the criteria presented by Lincoln and Guba were used. Results: Four categories were emerged as a result of the data analysis process. the category “mental distress” comprised the emotional strain and negative consequences of treatment, the category of “perceived concerns” consist of financial concerns and disturbances in emotional life. The category of “confusion in care” consist of inadequate knowledge about the disease, symptom management and lack of supportive care center.