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Experiences of women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: A qualitative study

Year 2024, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 42 - 48, 30.04.2024
https://doi.org/10.61534/anatoljhr.1394597

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the experiences of women with breast cancer who were receiving chemotherapy.
Methods: The study was conducted with 15 women with breast cancer who were receiving chemotheraphy treatment in eastern Türkiye between December 2022 and April 2023, by using a qualitative descriptive design. Two forms were created by the researcher according to the purpose of the research and the population. The first form contains information of the participants, and the second form includes semi-structured interview questions. Inductive thematic analysis was used to evaluate the data. Ethics committee approval was obtained.
Results: Mean age of the women in the study was 47.26 ± 10.21. It was found that 53% of the women were university graduates, 93% were married, 67% were unemployed, 73% had average level of income, 66% had no comorbid chronic disease and 53% had stage two cancer. As a result of the thematic analysis, five themes and sixteen sub-themes were determined: The themes were; (1) Receiving the first diagnosis (2) Emotional experiences, (3) Changes in life, (4) Symptom management, (5) Sources of information during treatment.
Conclusion: It was found that receiving chemotherapy treatment created many problems, especially physical and emotional, in women with breast cancer. However, the women continued their treatment without giving up. The steps to be taken to define and understand these problems well will play an active role in women’s coping with the disease effectively.

References

  • Akgül Başkale, H., Serçekuş, P., & Partlak Günüşen, N. (2015). Investigation of cancer patients’ information sources, information needs and expectations of health professionals. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 6(2), 65–70. https://doi.org/10.5505/phd.2015.49091 Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101.
  • Chiaranai, C., Chularee, S., & White, J. S. (2022). Lived experience of breast cancer survivors: A phenomenological study. Journal of Nursing Research, 30(6), E247. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000518
  • Dsouza, S. M., Vyas, N., Narayanan, P., Parsekar, S. S., Gore, M., & Sharan, K. (2018). A qualitative study on experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors in Karnataka, India. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 6(2), 69–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2017.08.001
  • Ecclestone, C., Chow, R., Pulenzas, N., Zhang, L., Leahey, A., Hamer, J., ... & Verma, S. (2016). Quality of life and symptom burden in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Supportive Care Cancer, 24(9), 4035–4043. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3217-z
  • Ertin, B., & Kurt, S. (2022). Evaluation of symptom control and functional quality of life in Turkish patients with cancer during chemotherapy. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 61(November), 102239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102239
  • Eti Aslan, F., & Özdemir Aslan, E. (2019). Meme kanserli hastalarda psikososyal sorunlar ve hemşirelik yaklaşımları. Türkiye Klinikleri, 5(1), 51–54.
  • Gallups, S. F., Connolly, M. C., Bender, C. M., & Rosenzweig, M. Q. (2018). Predictors of adherence and treatment delays among African American women recommended to receive breast cancer chemotherapy. Women’s Health Issues, 28(6), 553–558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2018.08.001
  • Gencer, H., Serçekuş, P., & Özkan, Ö. (2021). Information sources of cancer patients. Gümüşhane University Journal of Health Sciences, 10(3), 568–573.
  • Göral Türkcü, S., Uludağ, E., Serçekuş, P., Özkan, S., & Yaren, A. (2021). Experiences and coping strategies of women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 54, 102045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102045
  • Graetz, I., McKillop, C. N., Stepanski, E., Vidal, G. A., Anderson, J. N., & Schwartzberg, L. S. (2018). Use of a web-based app to improve breast cancer symptom management and adherence for aromatase inhibitors: a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 12(4), 431–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-018-0682-z
  • Guba, E. (1981). Criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries. Educational Technology Research and Development, 29(2), 75–91.
  • Iddrisu, M., Aziato, L., & Dedey, F. (2020). Psychological and physical effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on young Ghanaian women: A qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02760-4
  • Koçak, A. T., Arslan, S., & İlik, Y. (2022). Posttreatment experiences of breast cancer survivors in Turkey: A qualitative study. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 38(6), 151351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2022.151351
  • Kurt, B., & Kapucu, S. (2018). The effect of progressive relaxation exercise on chemotherapy symptoms in breast cancer patients : Literature review. Mersin Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 11(2), 235–249.
  • Nies, Y. H., Ali, A. M., Abdullah, N., Islahudin, F., & Shah, N. M. (2018). A qualitative study among breast cancer patients on chemotherapy: Experiences and side-effects. Patient Preference and Adherence, 12, 1955–1964. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S168638
  • O’Brien, B. C., Harris, I. B., Beckman, T. J., Reed, D. A., & Cook, D. A. (2014). Standards for reporting qualitative research: A synthesis of recommendations. Academic Medicine, 89(9), 1245–1251. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000000388
  • Öztürk, E. S., & Kutlutürkan, S. (2021). The effect of the mobile application-based symptom monitoring process on the symptom control and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 37(3), 151161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2021.151161
  • Peerawong, T., Phenwan, T., Mahattanobon, S., Tulathamkij, K., & Pattanasattayavong, U. (2019). Body image transformation after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in southern Thai women. SAGE Open Medicine, 7. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312119829985
  • Rahman, S. A., Al-Marzouki, A., Otim, M., Khayat, N. E. H. K., Yousef, R., & Rahman, P. (2019). Awareness about breast cancer and breast self-examination among female students at the University of Sharjah: A cross-sectional study. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 20(6), 1901–1908. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.6.1901
  • Saeed, S., Asim, M., & Sohail, M. M. (2021). Fears and barriers: problems in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Pakistan. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01293-6
  • Saldaña, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis strategies. In Patricia Leavy (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed., pp. 876–911). Oxford University Press
  • Shamieh, O., Alarjeh, G., Li, H., Abu Naser, M., Abu Farsakh, F., Abdel-Razeq, R., ... & Guo, P. (2022). Care needs and symptoms burden of breast cancer patients in Jordan: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10787. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710787
  • Sikorskii, A., Niyogi, PG., Victorson, D., Tamcus, D., Wyatt, G. (2020). Symton response analisis of a randomized controlled trial of reflexologi for sympton management among woman with advanced breat cancer. Support Care Center, 176(28), 13, 1395–1404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-04959-y.Symptom
  • Smit, A., Coetzee, B. J. S., Roomaney, R., Bradshaw, M., & Swartz, L. (2019). Women’s stories of living with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence. Social Science and Medicine, 222, 231–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.01.020
  • Suchodolska, G., & Senkus, E. (2022). Mobile applications for early breast cancer chemotherapy-related symptoms reporting and management: A scoping review. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 105, 102364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102364
  • Vardaramatou, F., Tsesmeli, A., Koukouli, S., Rovithis, M., Datsou, M. M.-, & Stavropoulou, A. (2021). Exploring women’s experiences after breast cancer diagnosis. A qualitative study. Perioperative Nursing, 10(2), 193-207.
  • Whisenant, M. S., Coombs, L. A., Wilson, C., & Mooney, K. (2021). Symptom-related patient-provider communication among women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. European Journal of Oncology, 55, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102064
  • WHO. (2020a). The global cancer observatory - all cancers. https://gco.iarc.fr/today/home Erişim Tarihi: 06.07.2021
  • WHO. (2020b). Globocan-Global cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence. https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/792-turkey-fact-sheets.pdf Erişim Tarihi: 06.07.2021
  • Zimmaro, L. A., Sorice, K. A., Handorf, E. A., Daly, M. B., & Reese, J. B. (2022). Understanding clinical communication about mood disturbance symptoms among breast cancer patients: A mixed methods analysis. Patient Education and Counseling, 105(7), 2089–2095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.02.004

Kemoterapi alan meme kanserli kadınların deneyimleri: Niteliksel bir çalışma

Year 2024, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 42 - 48, 30.04.2024
https://doi.org/10.61534/anatoljhr.1394597

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışma kemoterapi alan meme kanserli kadınların deneyimlerini belirlemek amacıyla yapıldı.
Yöntem: Araştırma, Aralık 2022 ile Nisan 2023 tarihleri arasında Türkiye'nin doğusunda kemoterapi tedavisi gören 15 meme kanserli kadın ile niteliksel tanımlayıcı tasarım kullanılarak gerçekleştirildi. Araştırmanın amacına ve evrene göre araştırmacı tarafından iki form oluşturulmuştur. Birinci form katılımcılara ait bilgileri, ikinci form ise yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme sorularını içermektedir. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde tümevarımsal tematik analiz kullanılmıştır. Etik kurul onayı alındı.
Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılan kadınların yaş ortalaması 47.26±10.21 idi. Kadınların %53'ünün üniversite mezunu, %93'ünün evli, %67'sinin işsiz olduğu, %73'ünün ortalama gelir düzeyinde olduğu, %66'sının ek kronik hastalığı bulunmadığı ve %53'ünün ikinci evre kanser hastası olduğu belirlendi. Tematik analiz sonucunda beş tema ve on altı alt tema belirlendi: Temalar; (1) İlk tanının alınması, (2) Duygusal deneyimler, (3) Yaşamdaki değişiklikler, (4) Semptom yönetimi, (5) Tedavi sırasındaki bilgi kaynakları.
Sonuçlar: Kemoterapi tedavisi almanın meme kanserli kadınlarda başta fiziksel ve duygusal olmak üzere birçok sorun yarattığı belirlendi. Ancak kadınlar pes etmeden tedavilerine devam etti. Bu sorunların iyi tanımlanması ve anlaşılması için atılacak adımlar, kadınların hastalıkla etkili bir şekilde baş etmesinde etkin rol oynayacaktır.

References

  • Akgül Başkale, H., Serçekuş, P., & Partlak Günüşen, N. (2015). Investigation of cancer patients’ information sources, information needs and expectations of health professionals. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 6(2), 65–70. https://doi.org/10.5505/phd.2015.49091 Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101.
  • Chiaranai, C., Chularee, S., & White, J. S. (2022). Lived experience of breast cancer survivors: A phenomenological study. Journal of Nursing Research, 30(6), E247. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000518
  • Dsouza, S. M., Vyas, N., Narayanan, P., Parsekar, S. S., Gore, M., & Sharan, K. (2018). A qualitative study on experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors in Karnataka, India. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 6(2), 69–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2017.08.001
  • Ecclestone, C., Chow, R., Pulenzas, N., Zhang, L., Leahey, A., Hamer, J., ... & Verma, S. (2016). Quality of life and symptom burden in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Supportive Care Cancer, 24(9), 4035–4043. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3217-z
  • Ertin, B., & Kurt, S. (2022). Evaluation of symptom control and functional quality of life in Turkish patients with cancer during chemotherapy. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 61(November), 102239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102239
  • Eti Aslan, F., & Özdemir Aslan, E. (2019). Meme kanserli hastalarda psikososyal sorunlar ve hemşirelik yaklaşımları. Türkiye Klinikleri, 5(1), 51–54.
  • Gallups, S. F., Connolly, M. C., Bender, C. M., & Rosenzweig, M. Q. (2018). Predictors of adherence and treatment delays among African American women recommended to receive breast cancer chemotherapy. Women’s Health Issues, 28(6), 553–558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2018.08.001
  • Gencer, H., Serçekuş, P., & Özkan, Ö. (2021). Information sources of cancer patients. Gümüşhane University Journal of Health Sciences, 10(3), 568–573.
  • Göral Türkcü, S., Uludağ, E., Serçekuş, P., Özkan, S., & Yaren, A. (2021). Experiences and coping strategies of women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 54, 102045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102045
  • Graetz, I., McKillop, C. N., Stepanski, E., Vidal, G. A., Anderson, J. N., & Schwartzberg, L. S. (2018). Use of a web-based app to improve breast cancer symptom management and adherence for aromatase inhibitors: a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 12(4), 431–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-018-0682-z
  • Guba, E. (1981). Criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries. Educational Technology Research and Development, 29(2), 75–91.
  • Iddrisu, M., Aziato, L., & Dedey, F. (2020). Psychological and physical effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on young Ghanaian women: A qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02760-4
  • Koçak, A. T., Arslan, S., & İlik, Y. (2022). Posttreatment experiences of breast cancer survivors in Turkey: A qualitative study. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 38(6), 151351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2022.151351
  • Kurt, B., & Kapucu, S. (2018). The effect of progressive relaxation exercise on chemotherapy symptoms in breast cancer patients : Literature review. Mersin Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 11(2), 235–249.
  • Nies, Y. H., Ali, A. M., Abdullah, N., Islahudin, F., & Shah, N. M. (2018). A qualitative study among breast cancer patients on chemotherapy: Experiences and side-effects. Patient Preference and Adherence, 12, 1955–1964. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S168638
  • O’Brien, B. C., Harris, I. B., Beckman, T. J., Reed, D. A., & Cook, D. A. (2014). Standards for reporting qualitative research: A synthesis of recommendations. Academic Medicine, 89(9), 1245–1251. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000000388
  • Öztürk, E. S., & Kutlutürkan, S. (2021). The effect of the mobile application-based symptom monitoring process on the symptom control and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 37(3), 151161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2021.151161
  • Peerawong, T., Phenwan, T., Mahattanobon, S., Tulathamkij, K., & Pattanasattayavong, U. (2019). Body image transformation after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in southern Thai women. SAGE Open Medicine, 7. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312119829985
  • Rahman, S. A., Al-Marzouki, A., Otim, M., Khayat, N. E. H. K., Yousef, R., & Rahman, P. (2019). Awareness about breast cancer and breast self-examination among female students at the University of Sharjah: A cross-sectional study. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 20(6), 1901–1908. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.6.1901
  • Saeed, S., Asim, M., & Sohail, M. M. (2021). Fears and barriers: problems in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Pakistan. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01293-6
  • Saldaña, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis strategies. In Patricia Leavy (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed., pp. 876–911). Oxford University Press
  • Shamieh, O., Alarjeh, G., Li, H., Abu Naser, M., Abu Farsakh, F., Abdel-Razeq, R., ... & Guo, P. (2022). Care needs and symptoms burden of breast cancer patients in Jordan: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10787. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710787
  • Sikorskii, A., Niyogi, PG., Victorson, D., Tamcus, D., Wyatt, G. (2020). Symton response analisis of a randomized controlled trial of reflexologi for sympton management among woman with advanced breat cancer. Support Care Center, 176(28), 13, 1395–1404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-04959-y.Symptom
  • Smit, A., Coetzee, B. J. S., Roomaney, R., Bradshaw, M., & Swartz, L. (2019). Women’s stories of living with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence. Social Science and Medicine, 222, 231–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.01.020
  • Suchodolska, G., & Senkus, E. (2022). Mobile applications for early breast cancer chemotherapy-related symptoms reporting and management: A scoping review. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 105, 102364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102364
  • Vardaramatou, F., Tsesmeli, A., Koukouli, S., Rovithis, M., Datsou, M. M.-, & Stavropoulou, A. (2021). Exploring women’s experiences after breast cancer diagnosis. A qualitative study. Perioperative Nursing, 10(2), 193-207.
  • Whisenant, M. S., Coombs, L. A., Wilson, C., & Mooney, K. (2021). Symptom-related patient-provider communication among women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. European Journal of Oncology, 55, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102064
  • WHO. (2020a). The global cancer observatory - all cancers. https://gco.iarc.fr/today/home Erişim Tarihi: 06.07.2021
  • WHO. (2020b). Globocan-Global cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence. https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/792-turkey-fact-sheets.pdf Erişim Tarihi: 06.07.2021
  • Zimmaro, L. A., Sorice, K. A., Handorf, E. A., Daly, M. B., & Reese, J. B. (2022). Understanding clinical communication about mood disturbance symptoms among breast cancer patients: A mixed methods analysis. Patient Education and Counseling, 105(7), 2089–2095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.02.004
There are 30 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Nursing (Other)
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Gül Dural 0000-0002-8541-0150

Publication Date April 30, 2024
Submission Date November 22, 2023
Acceptance Date March 28, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2024 Volume: 5 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Dural, G. (2024). Experiences of women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: A qualitative study. Anatolian Journal of Health Research, 5(1), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.61534/anatoljhr.1394597

Content of this journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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