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

Authors

  • Junie Jun-ying LI Saint Francis University
  • Wing-sang SIU Saint Francis University
  • Miranda Man-ying WONG Saint Francis University
  • Lisa Pau-le LOW Saint Francis University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47611/jsr.v13i2.2493

Keywords:

Breast cancer survivors, Qualitative study, Treatment choices, Experience

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.

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Author Biographies

Junie Jun-ying LI, Saint Francis University

BN, RN

Graduate, School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University, 2, Chui Ling Lane, Tseung Kwan O., N.T., Hong Kong

Email: nursing.junie@gmail.com; Tel: +852 52443344

Junie Jun-ying LI has graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) degree and holds a Registered Nurse licence to practice at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital.

Wing-sang SIU, Saint Francis University

BN, RN

Graduate, School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University, 2, Chui Ling Lane, Tseung Kwan O., N.T., Hong Kong

Email: wing.siu18@gmail.com; Tel: +852 51653171

 

Wing-sang SIU has graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) degree and holds a Registered Nurse licence to practice at the Tuen Mun Hospital in Hong Kong.  

 

Miranda Man-ying WONG, Saint Francis University

MN, RN

Senior Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University, 2, Chui Ling Lane, Tseung Kwan O., N.T., Hong Kong

Email: my2wong@cihe.edu.hk; Tel: +852 3702 4268

Miranda Man-ying WONG is a Senior Lecturer and teaches undergraduate nursing students.

Lisa Pau-le LOW, Saint Francis University

PhD, RN

Professor cum Associate Dean (Research), School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University, 2, Chui Ling Lane, Tseung Kwan O., N.T., Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 3702 4232; Email: lisalow@sfu.edu.hk; Tel: +852 3702 4232

Lisa Pau-le LOW is a Professor and teaches undergraduate nursing students, and conducts research in gerontology and long-term care.

Published

05-31-2024

How to Cite

LI, J. J.- ying, SIU, W.- sang, WONG, M. M.- ying, & LOW, L. P.- le. (2024). Breast cancer survivors’ experiences of living with treatment choices of breast cancer: A qualitative study. Journal of Student Research, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsr.v13i2.2493

Issue

Section

Research Articles