scholarly journals Qualitative exploration of sexual life among breast cancer survivors at reproductive age

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Maleki ◽  
Abbas Mardani ◽  
Mansour Ghafourifard ◽  
Mojtaba Vaismoradi
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sexual Health Counseling

Abstract Background Our understanding of the experiences of women at reproductive age regarding sexual life and issues they may face after starting the treatment of breast cancer is limited. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to explore sexual life and its related issues among breast cancer survivors at reproductive age in Iran. Methods A qualitative research was conducted. Participants were 21 breast cancer survivors who were under 51 years of age that were chosen using purposeful sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out for data collection and the content analysis method was used for data analysis. Results The data analysis led to the development of main theme of ‘unfulfilled sexual life’. Also, four subthemes were: ‘undesirable sexual function’, ‘context-based beliefs’, ‘unmet information and supportive needs’, and ‘emotional crisis’. Conclusions Our research findings inform healthcare providers about the experiences of breast cancer survivors and related changes in their sexual and marriage life at reproductive age. Nurses and other healthcare providers in the multidisciplinary team should proactively identify health-related problems and design appropriate caring strategies to mitigate sexual and marriage issues among breast cancer survivors. Also, the establishment of sexual health counseling units for breast cancer survivors can help this vulnerable group of women with the improvement of their long-term sexual satisfaction.

The Effect of a Sexual Life Reframing Program on Marital Intimacy, Body Image, and Sexual Function among Breast Cancer Survivors

2011 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Young Jun ◽  
Sue Kim ◽  
Soon-Bok Chang ◽  
Kasil Oh ◽  
Hee Sun Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Marital Intimacy

scholarly journals Towards a Holistic Framework of Cancer Related Fatigue: Qualitative Data on the Experience of Embodiment in Breast Cancer Survivors

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cooper Keaton Penner ◽  
Chloe Zimmerman ◽  
Ted Kaptchuck ◽  
Lisa Conboy
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
The Body ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Consistent Change ◽  
Bodily Sensations

Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and detrimental side effects of cancer treatment. Despite its increasing prevalence and severity CRF remains dismissed by the majority of clinicians. One reason for the apparent gap between clinical need and clinical undertaking is the penchant towards reductionist accounts of the disorder: a tendency to discount the interface between the lived experience of sufferers and the multi-dimensional etiology of CRF as it manifests adversely on a day-to-day basis. We undertook semi-structured interviews with 13 Breast cancer survivors suffering from CRF and then subsequently coded their responses using Team Based Qualitative Analysis. We focused most specifically on shifts in embodied awareness that accompanied our participant’s experience of CRF. Our analysis revealed multiple dimensions of the social and bodily underpinnings of fatigue. Most relevantly we found a consistent change in the reported capacity for awareness of bodily sensations. This shift in awareness appeared to be directly connected to the experience of CRF and a newfound, “respect” for the needs of the body. Furthermore, we found that many of the practices that were described as helpful in alleviating fatigue were oriented around eliciting a sense of embodied awareness, examples being: dance, yoga, and shamanic ritual. This relationship with bodily sensations existed in conjunction with the anxiety and trauma that arose as a result of cancer treatment. Our analysis suggests that the quality of awareness and relationship to bodily experience in CRF is a functionally relevant component of the disorder and should be considered as an experiential target moving forward.

Analysis of Healthcare Team Communication Needs Among Younger vs Older Breast Cancer Survivors: A Web-based Survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Vollmer Dahlke ◽  
Aya Yoshikawa ◽  
Molly McAdams ◽  
Sharyn Malatok ◽  
Elaine D. Gonzales
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Younger Women

BACKGROUND Prior studies indicate that the age of onset of breast cancer is an important element in considering communication between patients and the healthcare team. Younger women ages 45 and under diagnosed with breast cancer are often at a higher risk of being more vulnerable to psychosocial issues as compared to older women. While doctor-patient communication is the primary way women with breast cancer learn about important elements of their cancer therapy and post-treatment survivorship, few studies have examined age differences in patient perceptions of treatment-related discussions and of communications during transition with their healthcare team. OBJECTIVE The aims of this survey were: 1) to better understand breast cancer survivors’ perspectives of healthcare providers communication during treatment and in transition to post-treatment, and 2) to determine the differences between younger women with breast cancer (<45 years of age) as compared to older women (>46 years of age and older). It was hypothesized that 1) breast cancer survivors’ psychosocial and finance-related communications with healthcare providers may lack effectiveness; 2) younger women experience greater needs in physician and healthcare providers’ patient-centered communication, especially around psychosocial care and transition to post-treatment; and 3) younger breast cancer patients (<45 years of age) need more information on survivorship and follow-up care. METHODS An online survey was conducted with 143 women in Central Texas with 35.% (n=50) age 45 or under and 65% (n=93) ages 46 and above. The participants were invited via email links from a number of Texas-based cancer and breast cancer advocacy groups. The Mann–Whitney U test was performed to assess differences in participants’ perceptions about communication with healthcare providers by age group: young (<45 years of age) and old (≥ 46 years of age). RESULTS Participants were asked to score question areas such as concerns during treatment and how much discussion occurred between patients and providers. Statistically significant results were in regard to rating healthcare team and patient discussions about the transition from treatment to post-treatment using a score of 0 as “no discussion” and 100 as “in-depth discussion.” For the questions about management of post treatment care the group mean score was 56.26; the younger group mean was 43.96; the older group mean was 61.96 (P=.022). For the question about the timing of follow-up appointments, the overall group mean was 64.29; the younger group mean was 54.44; the older group mean was 68.88 (P=.049). For the overall group, scores related to psychosocial and financial support discussions with healthcare providers during the transition to post treatment care were low, with a rollup average of only 30.02 out of 100, suggesting that this is an important area for improving patient-centered communications. CONCLUSIONS For all patients, transition from treatment to post-treatment require greater healthcare team engagement and communications. It appears that younger patients age <45 have needs for more in-depth and personalized messaging to better understand their post-treatment care requirements.

scholarly journals 2122

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. 24-24
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Shandley ◽  
Lauren M. Daniels ◽  
Jessica B. Spencer ◽  
Ann C. Mertens ◽  
Penelope P. Howards
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Bilateral Oophorectomy ◽  
After Cancer

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: In the United States, it is estimated that approximately half of all pregnancies are unintended. This study examines the prevalence of unintended pregnancy in a cohort of cancer survivors and identifies factors associated with unintended pregnancy after cancer. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The FUCHSIA Women’s Study is a population-based study of female cancer survivors at a reproductive age of 22–45 years. Cancer survivors diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 35 years and at least 2 years postdiagnosis were recruited in collaboration with the Georgia Cancer Registry. Participants were interviewed about their reproductive histories. The prediagnosis analysis included all women who completed the interview; the postdiagnosis analysis excluded those who had a hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, or tubal ligation by cancer diagnosis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Of the 1282 survivors interviewed, 57.5% reported at least 1 pregnancy before cancer diagnosis; of which, 44.5% were unintended. Of the 1088 survivors included in the postdiagnosis analysis, 36.9% reported a post-cancer pregnancy. Among those who had a pregnancy after cancer diagnosis, 38.6% reported at least 1 pregnancy was unintended. Of the 80 breast cancer survivors who had a pregnancy after diagnosis, 52.5% of them were unintended. Predictors of unintended pregnancy in cancer survivors included being younger than 30 years at diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4, 2.9], identifying as Black (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1, 2.3, comparison: White), and having resumption of menses after cancer treatment (OR 8.1, 95% CI 2.0, 33.0). Compared with being <4 years from cancer diagnosis, those who were farther from diagnosis at the time of the interview also had increased odds of unintended pregnancy (4–7 years: OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9, 2.7; 8–10 years: OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.7, 2.4; >10 years: OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6, 4.7). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Despite being at higher risk of infertility, cancer survivors may still be at considerable risk of unintended pregnancy. Women with certain types of cancer that are more likely to be hormone responsive, such as some types of breast cancer, may be hesitant to use hormonal birth control and thus be at higher risk of unintended pregnancy. Counseling for cancer survivors should include a discussion of the risk of unintended pregnancy and contraceptive options.

“I Will Not Be Defined by This. I’m Not Going to Live Like a Victim; It Is Not Going to Define My Life”: Exploring Breast Cancer Survivors’ Experiences and Sense of Self

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-360
Author(s):  
Elly Rashidi ◽  
Romana Morda ◽  
Wally Karnilowicz
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Identity Transformation ◽  
Psychological Ownership ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
The Impact

A life-threatening disease such as breast cancer with its pervasive nature of uncertainty can lead to feelings of disempowerment. Nonetheless, survivors may reconstruct their identity within optimism and a celebration of a new self. In this qualitative constructionist study, we explored survivors’ experiences, meaning-making, and identity transformation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 11 women who identified as breast cancer survivors. Participants were aged 35 years old or above and were in post-diagnosis for at least 3 years. Interview data were collected and analyzed using thematic techniques. We identified three master themes: Diseased Self, focused on emotional distress and the presentation of a façade; Coping Self, explored resilience and post-traumatic growth; and Transformed Self, engaged in presentations of self-image, meaning-making, and psychological ownership addressing survivorship and empowerment. The findings may be used to inform guidelines and support for cancer survivors considering the impact of diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment experiences on self-identity.

scholarly journals “I never heard anything about it”: Knowledge and psychosocial needs of Latina breast cancer survivors with lymphedema

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174550652110024
Author(s):  
Lydia P Buki ◽  
Zully A Rivera-Ramos ◽  
Marlen Kanagui-Muñoz ◽  
Puncky P Heppner ◽  
Lizette Ojeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
The United States ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Latina Women ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Objective: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among Latina women in the United States. One aspect of recovery that has been underrepresented in the English-language literature is the recovery of Latina women who have developed lymphedema, a debilitating condition characterized by persistent swelling of the arm, hand, chest, and/or breast. To fill this research gap, a study was conducted to examine the lived experiences of Latina women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Methods: Given the limited scholarship on this topic, qualitative methods were used to obtain a foundational and nuanced understanding of Latina women’s experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 10 Latina survivors with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis and constant comparison methodology. Results: The data analysis yielded three major themes: knowledge of lymphedema, impact of lymphedema diagnosis, and coping with lymphedema. Participants had limited knowledge of lymphedema and its risk factors upon diagnosis, in addition to barriers accessing quality care. They also noted psychological distress related to a significant financial burden as well as social anxiety related to interacting with others while wearing compression gloves or sleeves. A major coping strategy was receiving social support from friends, family, peers in structured support groups, and spiritual/religious groups or practices. Conclusions: Our findings bring to light contextual factors that may place Latina breast cancer survivors at increased risk for lymphedema and for experiencing a high burden managing their condition. Recommendations are provided for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.

scholarly journals Meaning Making for Psychological Adjustment and Quality of Life in Older Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Nilsen ◽  
Ragna Stalsberg ◽  
Kari Sand ◽  
Gørill Haugan ◽  
Randi Johansen Reidunsdatter
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sleeping Problems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Follow Up Care

Objectives: This study aims to explore in depth the meaning and meaning discrepancies among older Norwegian breast cancer survivors in light of the meaning making model by Park (2013).Design: We utilized a qualitative design collecting data using semi-structured interviews of 23 elderly breast cancer survivors 7–8 years after treatment. The interviews followed an interview guide structured along three main themes: “everyday life activities,” “follow-up-care experiences” and “health status and QoL.”Results: Several health problems were reported by the women in the aftermaths of the disease, such as sleeping problems, pain, and fatigue—including cognitive and emotional impairments. Meaning discrepancies were concentrated on six main themes: shifting perspectives and priorities, growing sense of autonomy, widening the limits of normality, dissociating oneself from the disease, embracing alternative health services, and feeling lucky. The women engaged in a wide range of coping techniques as efforts to change global meaning, and to develop a more positive view on the cancer experience. Common coping efforts across the six main themes were social comparison, denial, positive reappraisal, problem-focused coping, and revaluing ordinary events.Conclusion: Many cancer patients report on unmet needs for help with their meaning making, and the facilitation of meaning making processes is rarely included in the follow-up care of cancer survivors. The findings of the present study may help health care professionals provide care for women who have experienced breast cancer. The concrete knowledge of common coping efforts in the meaning making process may contribute to the development of future interventions and for gaining a deeper understanding for older survivors of breast cancer.

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