Posttreatment Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors in Turkey: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the posttreatment experiences of breast cancer survivors in Turkey.

Data sources: The study was conducted in Turkey between February 2020 and April 2020 with 18 breast cancer survivors who completed the treatment process. The data were collected using the individual in-depth interview method with the semi-structured interview form. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the data were analyzed using the seven-step Colaizzi method. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was used to report the study.

Conclusion: Four main themes emerged in the study which are symptom management, emotional responses, change in life, and challenges in health care. The cancer survivors in Turkey reported that moral values had more meaning for them after treatment, they started to feel extremely worried about their children, they tried to manage their own processes with the information they themselves gained and with some support systems, and they experienced radical changes in their family and social relations. In addition, cancer survivors criticized the inadequacy of health care services, including relapse follow-up after the treatment process.

Implications for nursing practice: This study provides an overview of the lived experiences of posttreatment breast cancer survivors in Turkey. The findings of this study can be used to better understand breast cancer survivors, identify their needs based on their experience, and develop interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breast cancer survivors; Qualitative research; Women's health.