From a Death Sentence to a Disrupted Life

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weeam Hammoudeh ◽  
Dennis Hogan ◽  
Rita Giacaman
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Death Sentence ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Palestinian Territory ◽  
The Impact

This study explores women’s experiences of breast cancer in the occupied Palestinian territory. We use an inductive qualitative design with a thematic analytical approach for conducting and analyzing 35 semi-structured interviews with breast cancer patients. The interviews focused on diagnosis, experiences and coping with breast cancer, social support and care needs, and the impact of illness on their families and social relationships. Three themes emerged: (a) the transition from initial shock to the daily struggles with disruptions caused by illness, (b) the role of social support in helping women cope with the burden of disease, and the importance of (c) faith and reliance on God (tawakkul). In the Palestinian context, women’s narratives highlighted the disruptive nature of breast cancer. Our findings underline the importance of social support provided by extended family members. Finally, faith is an important overarching theme that influences how women make sense of and cope with breast cancer.

scholarly journals Social support for breast cancer patients in the occupied Palestinian territory

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252608
Author(s):  
Mona I. A. Almuhtaseb ◽  
Francesca Alby ◽  
Cristina Zucchermaglio ◽  
Marilena Fatigante
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Occupied Palestinian Territory ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Palestinian Territory

Previous research indicates that social support is beneficial to cancer patients in adjusting to the stress of the disease. Drawing on a qualitative content analysis of 36 semi-structured interviews, this article explores sources and types of social support in Arab-Palestinian women with breast cancer. Results show that members of the immediate family, husbands in particular, are reported to be the most supportive social sources. Given the limitations that characterize access to cancer care in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT) and the collectivistic values of the society, women with breast cancer seem to rely mainly on their husbands to handle emotional, functional and informational needs. Emotional support includes the provision of care, trust, reassurance, and companionship. Functional support includes the practical assistance that the cancer patients receive in terms of financial support, attendance during treatment or help with domestic chores and childcare. Accessing appropriate informational support can be quite challenging in the OPT since available information is not always reliable. The family plays a key role in mediating communication with doctors. Contact with breast cancer patients and survivors is also a source of supporting information, with however a possible negative impact in terms of emotional coping. In this context, the immediate family becomes a fundamental resource for coping and a relational space that mediates connections with others, including doctors, acting as a “proxy” between the patient and the social environment. Findings are discussed in light of the historical and sociocultural context of the OPT.

Differences in psychosocial factors among diverse women enrolled in a phase III cooperative group metastatic breast cancer trial (CALGB 40502/Alliance).

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9581-9581
Author(s):  
Blase N. Polite ◽  
Jacob B Allred ◽  
Hope S. Rugo ◽  
Toni Marie Cipriano ◽  
Constance Cirrincione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Cooperative Group ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Trial ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
The Impact

9581 Background: Previous metastatic breast cancer trials have shown lower overall survival among African American (AA) women. Studies have also shown links between higher comorbidities and lower levels of social support and survival. Whether these factors differ by race and ethnicity is not known. Methods: Breast cancer patients enrolling in a phase III cooperative group metastatic breast cancer trial completed a self-administered survey measuring psychosocial and socio-demographic factors and comorbidities. Results were analyzed by self-identified race/ethnicity and evaluated by other measured variables. Results: 703 out of 799 patients completed the survey (88%). Questions were answered by greater than 95% of participants. The table shows differences broken down by Race/Ethnicity. AA and Hispanic (H) patients were more likely to have trouble paying for medications and have incomes less than 15K per year. AA were less likely to be married, and had lower levels of social support. Differences in income did not mediate these social support differences. Marital status did not mediate lower social support for AA (p=0.79) but did so for whites (p<0.001) Conclusions: Compliance with the questionnaire was quite high. Differences in social support by race were apparent and were mediated by different factors according to race. Future efforts will analyze the impact of these factors on survival and as mediators for potential racial and ethnic differences in survival. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Improving Metastatic Breast Cancer Care in Kenya Using Information Technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 158s-158s
Author(s):  
A. Shaikh ◽  
S. Sayed ◽  
C. Cathomi ◽  
F. Chite
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Web Site ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Patient Needs ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
The Impact

Background and context: In Africa, up to two thirds of breast cancer patients have been reported to present with an advanced stage of III or IV at diagnosis leading to a disproportionately higher mortality. In Kenya, breast cancer is the most common cancer in females in terms of diagnosis and mortality. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients are an ignored part of the breast cancer community as they are marginalized in many of the breast cancer related initiatives. MBC suffer from clinical depression, anxiety and four out of five of these women do not receive any services, referral or guidance to help them with their emotional distress. Preferred evidence based methods of support desired by women with MBC, include online support. International resources are not always applicable to the local context thus making them unattractive for people from diverse cultures and background, such as those from Africa. Kenya has a high percentage of literate females and highest Internet usage in the area. This provides a unique opportunity in an otherwise limited resource country to reach out to a significant population of MBC patients. The patients voices are a valuable and trustworthy assessment of their actual needs. They have been used frequently in the area of cancer as a first step in designing needs-tailored interventions. We propose to develop a virtual online forum with the aim of providing patients with MBC, and their caregivers an interactive forum for psycho social support, addressing stigmas, seek relevant clinical advice, find links to the nearest healthcare facilities, download helpful information, participate in support group activities and receive links to other important helpful sites that are locally relevant. We also propose that such forum should also reflect the needs of our patients as described by themselves. Aim: Primary aim of this project is developing a virtual online interactive support forum where MBC patients and their caregivers can access information on social, psychological, spiritual, religious and clinical needs. The purpose is to be partly achieved by assessing the patient needs by needs assessment survey and to evaluate the impact of such intervention on patient knowledge and satisfaction with care. Strategy/Tactics: Web site development is the key component of the project. Patients would be asked to fill out the Supportive Care Needs Survey/The Knowledge Assessment Tool. The surveys will take place at four major cancer treatment hospitals in Kenya. Postlaunch promotion and awareness about Web site will be made and, usage data and knowledge tool to be used to assess the impact and acceptability. Web site updated regularly to address issues identified. Program/Policy process: Information gathered would be made part of policy on national cancer strategy, recommendations to factor in identified patient needs in policy. What was learned: Ongoing process.

A pilot study of the Pathways program to address fear of recurrence and reduce distress among breast cancer survivors.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 206-206
Author(s):  
Edward Kenji Hadeler ◽  
Emily Claire Wong ◽  
Matina Elise Mamounas ◽  
Carrie D'andrea ◽  
Greg Hicks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Race And Ethnicity ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

206 Background: Breast cancer patients endorse anxiety and fear of recurrence for years after diagnosis. The Pathways for Survivors is a one-day program intended to address this distress by teaching cognitive behavioral strategies that improve self-efficacy, communication, attitude, and coping. The workshop incorporates an evidence-based program developed by authors/researchers Greg Hicks and Rick Foster, which has been adapted for the breast cancer survivorship population. Methods: Patients who had completed their acute phase of care were invited to attend the workshop. Attendees were asked to complete a series of questionnaires either on paper or electronically at baseline, 1 week and 6 weeks following the program and were consented to have their data used for research. Questionnaires included evaluation of program content and moderator quality, as well as measures to assess the impact of the Pathways intervention including the PROMIS Anxiety and Depression Short Forms, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). Results: Three sessions were held between 9/2015-9/2016. A total of 27 patients participated (6 in the first, 13 in the second, 8 in the third). Mean age of participants was 49 (range 28-65) years old. Race and ethnicity was: 63% White, 11% Asian, 4% Pacific Islander, 11% other, and 15% Hispanic/Latina (total > 100% due to a patient reporting more than one race/ethnicity). The table below summarizes the change in these scores over time. Evaluations showed that patients were extremely satisfied with the program and moderator, receiving average ratings of 9.6/10 and 10/10, respectively. Conclusions: The Pathways workshop was well received and appears to have at least a short-term impact on breast cancer survivors’ anxiety, depression, and psychological flexibility. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals The transitional experience of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Villadsen Kristensen ◽  
Bodil Rasmussen ◽  
Patricia M. Livingston ◽  
Anette Meldgaard ◽  
Ida Zerlang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Individualized Care ◽  
Transitional Experience

The aim of the study was to provide insights into the transitional experience of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer progressing to their primary treatment. The psychosocial impact of patients in the recovery phase after breast cancer treatment has been investigated in recent years, however, little is known about the transition experience and psychosocial needs of Danish breast cancer patients during the phase of transition from diagnosis to treatment. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design with data collection including 12 semi-structured interviews with women undergoing radiation-or chemotherapy treatment.  The transcribed interviews were analysed which identified five main themes; 1) Uncertainty, 2) Sense of powerlessness, 3) Sustaining normality, 4) Worrying about the future, 5) Fortunate only having radiotherapy. Understanding care needs of women in transition, from diagnosis to treatment, and how it impacts on their lives, is essential to enable health professionals to tailor individualized care. Early support is critical to ensure that women understand step-by-step what is involved in the treatment and care and thereby to assist them towards a positive psychosocial trajectory.

scholarly journals The Roles of Social Support and Coping Strategies in Predicting Breast Cancer Patients’ Emotional Well-being

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junghyun Kim ◽  
Jeong Yeob Han ◽  
Bret Shaw ◽  
Fiona McTavish ◽  
David Gustafson
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
And Coping

scholarly journals Mediator Roles of Social Support and Hope in the Relationship Between Body Image Distress and Resilience in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment: A Modeling Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Tien Hsu ◽  
Chiung-Hui Juan ◽  
Jyu-Lin Chen ◽  
Hsiu-Fen Hsieh
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Breast cancer and its treatment are particularly distressing for patients because of their potential impacts on body image. The most difficult phase of cancer treatment is usually the first year after a diagnosis. Cancer patients with strong resilience have the positive attitude, internal strength and external resources needed to cope with the disease and its treatment. This cross-sectional study investigated the mediator roles of hope and social support in the association between body image distress and resilience. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for a convenience sample of 141 breast cancer patients undergoing treatment in southern Taiwan. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The results showed that the final model had a good fit to the data and accounted for 51% of the total variance in resilience. The model of multiple parallel mediators of resilience revealed that hope and social support had mediator roles in the effect of body image distress on resilience. Hope had an important partial mediating role in the association between body image distress and resilience. Social support also had a partial mediating role in the relationship between body image distress and resilience. Social support did not directly affect resilience and indirectly affected resilience through hope. Psychosocial interventions aimed at reducing the impact of body image distress and increasing resilience in breast cancer patients should focus on cultivating hope and increasing social support, particularly support from family members and health professionals.

scholarly journals The Impact of Unsupportive Social Support on the Injured Self in Breast Cancer Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Sebri ◽  
Davide Mazzoni ◽  
Stefano Triberti ◽  
Gabriella Pravettoni
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals The Association of Social Support and Coping Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. vi147
Author(s):  
Friecelie N. Sutarna ◽  
Elizabeth Celine ◽  
Angeline Tancherla ◽  
Regina Nathania ◽  
Helenia Putri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
And Coping

scholarly journals Hubungan Dukungan Sosial dengan Kecemasan dan Depresi pada Pasien Kanker Payudara di RSU Raden Mattaher Jambi

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Yuliana Yuliana ◽  
Mustikasari Mustikasari ◽  
Feri Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
The United States ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Data Sampling ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
The Impact

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in woman. In Europen there are approximately 175,000 cases found regarding breast cancer and more than 165,000 patients died if the cancer is not controlled, whereas in the United States 44,000 patients died of breast cancer. According to the Hospital Statistics in the Breast Cancer Hospital Information System, Indonesia is the first rank of the most breast cancer patients which can be found in almost every hospital in Indonesia. The impact of breast cancer on the aspects of bio- psycho- social- spritual in breast cancer patients include anxiety and depression.Unfortunately this study is not commonly carried aut by researchers. One effort to reduce anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients is to provide social support. This study aims to determine the relationship of social support with anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients. The method used is analytic cross- sectional study.Also this study is conducted at Raden Mattaher Hospital in Jambi, with 97 breast cancer patients were picked as participants. Data sampling that is utilised in this study was incidental sampling.The data were colleted by using several methods, such as the Multidemensional Scale of Perceived of Social Support (MSPSS) instrument, and the Hospital Anxiety and depression Scale (HADS), and later those data were analysed with Bivariate Analysis using the Chi Square test. The results showed that the average age of breast cancer patient is 46,57, length of diagnosis is 28,59 months, low education level patient is 68,0%, patient who has merried is 91,8%, unemployed patient is 78,4%, patient who reseived good social support is 54,6%, patient with anxiety is 49,5%, and patient with depression is 50,5%. There is relationship between social support and anxiety in breast cancer patients, with (p:0,000).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document