A Shared Journey To a Better Future: Mutual Support Among Breast Cancer Survivors and Their First-Degree Relatives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao-Hua Chen ◽  
Jun-E Liu ◽  
Dong-Mei Guo ◽  
Ya-Li Su ◽  
Yan-Fei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
External Support ◽  
Mutual Support ◽  
First Degree Relatives ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Windy Weather ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Purpose Breast cancer affects survivors and their first-degree relatives. They face breast cancer together as a unit. This study aimed to explore the mutual support of breast cancer survivors and their first-degree relatives in their joint coping with breast cancer. Methods A qualitative case study with purposeful sampling was conducted. Ten breast cancer survivors and 21 of their first-degree relatives were recruited for in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis using MAXQDA software. Results Three themes were extracted under the overarching theme “a shared journey to a better future”: 1. “Mutual support is needed as we are in the same boat,” suggesting mutual support in responding to breast cancer; 2. “We experience stormy and windy weather during our journey,” emphasizing challenges encountered in providing support; and 3. “Sunny and breezy days are a gift for both of us,” indicating they perceived reciprocity during the process of mutual support. Conclusions Mutual support was an important feature of breast cancer survivors and first-degree relatives coping with breast cancer and beneficial to both groups. However, significant challenges in supporting each other were reported, indicating the necessity of external support in coping with breast cancer. Health professionals should not ignore first-degree relatives of breast cancer survivors, and need to support both of these groups.

scholarly journals Assessing Breast Cancer Survivors’ Perceptions of Using Voice-Activated Technology to Address Insomnia: Feasibility Study Featuring Focus Groups and In-Depth Interviews

JMIR Cancer ◽  
10.2196/15859 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e15859
Author(s):  
Hannah Arem ◽  
Remle Scott ◽  
Daniel Greenberg ◽  
Rebecca Kaltman ◽  
Daniel Lieberman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Educational Potential ◽  
Relaxation Exercises ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) are a growing population with a higher prevalence of insomnia than women of the same age without a history of cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be effective in this population, but it is not widely available to those who need it. Objective This study aimed to better understand BCSs’ experiences with insomnia and to explore the feasibility and acceptability of delivering CBT-I using a virtual assistant (Amazon Alexa). Methods We first conducted a formative phase with 2 focus groups and 3 in-depth interviews to understand BCSs’ perceptions of insomnia as well as their interest in and comfort with using a virtual assistant to learn about CBT-I. We then developed a prototype incorporating participant preferences and CBT-I components and demonstrated it in group and individual settings to BCSs to evaluate acceptability, interest, perceived feasibility, educational potential, and usability of the prototype. We also collected open-ended feedback on the content and used frequencies to describe the quantitative data. Results We recruited 11 BCSs with insomnia in the formative phase and 14 BCSs in the prototype demonstration. In formative work, anxiety, fear, and hot flashes were identified as causes of insomnia. After prototype demonstration, nearly 79% (11/14) of participants reported an interest in and perceived feasibility of using the virtual assistant to record sleep patterns. Approximately two-thirds of the participants thought lifestyle modification (9/14, 64%) and sleep restriction (9/14, 64%) would be feasible and were interested in this feature of the program (10/14, 71% and 9/14, 64%, respectively). Relaxation exercises were rated as interesting and feasible using the virtual assistant by 71% (10/14) of the participants. Usability was rated as better than average, and all women reported that they would recommend the program to friends and family. Conclusions This virtual assistant prototype delivering CBT-I components by using a smart speaker was rated as feasible and acceptable, suggesting that this prototype should be fully developed and tested for efficacy in the BCS population. If efficacy is shown in this population, the prototype should also be adapted for other high-risk populations.

Women Breast Cancer Survivors: Stories of Change and Meaning

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Sadler-Gerhardt ◽  
Cynthia Reynolds ◽  
Paula Britton ◽  
Sharon Kruse
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Health Counseling

Breast cancer research has addressed prevention, early treatment, and quality of life, but research from the perspective of survivors has been limited. This is a qualitative investigation of the experience of eight women breast cancer survivors, ranging in age from 28 to 80 at diagnosis, six of whom were Caucasian and two African American. The research consisted of a phenomenological and case study examination of change and meaning-making during their experience. The findings support a posttraumatic growth model of change as part of survivorship for the participants, as well as the presence of negative changes and a state of new normal in their lives. Recommendations are made for mental health counseling and for future research.

scholarly journals Pain Narratives in Breast Cancer Survivors

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Peretti-Watel ◽  
Marc-Karim Bendiane ◽  
Laura Spica ◽  
Dominique Rey
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
The Road ◽  
On The Road ◽  
After Cancer ◽  
Depth Interviews

In-depth interviews were conducted with French breast cancer survivors 24 month after cancer diagnosis ( women). We documented their experience of chronic pain, compared their pain narratives with their answers to the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and studied both the meaning they gave to their pain and how they dealt with it in their daily lives. Half of participants reported are suffering from iatrogenic chronic pain. Most of the time, this pain was not captured by the WHOQOL questionnaire and was not medically treated. Patients “normalized” their pain in various ways: they considered it either as a necessary step on the road to recovery, as the proof of treatment efficacy, or as a permanent condition one must learn to live with. They learned to deal with pain by taking precautions, giving up certain activities, and changing the way they performed others. Participants were also prone to compare themselves with other patients suffering worse pain. Breast cancer survivors should be better informed about chronic pain and how to alleviate it. Physicians should contribute to fighting pain-related beliefs which lead patients to conceal their pain. Techniques used by patients to cope with chronic pain in their daily lives should also be promoted.

scholarly journals PLISSIT model: sexual counseling for breast cancer survivors

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 1109-1113
Author(s):  
Natália Gondim de Almeida ◽  
Débora Fernandes Britto ◽  
Juliana Vieira Figueiredo ◽  
Thereza Maria Magalhães Moreira ◽  
Rhanna Emanuela Fontenele Lima de Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sexual Counseling ◽  
Plissit Model ◽  
Nursing Professionals

ABSTRACT Objective: Reporting the experience of use of the PLISSIT model as tool for the nursing care of breast cancer survivors with sexual dysfunction. Method: case study developed from January to August 2017, in the outpatient mastology clinic and sexuality service of a maternity in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, with 15 breast cancer survivors. Results: sexual counseling sessions were conducted using the PLISSIT model to address sexual issues, highlighting the particularities of women who experience survival after the treatment of breast cancer. Final considerations: the model used in the practice of nursing care is customary and allows identifying issues experienced by women, as it has easy availability and practicality for use by nursing professionals, helping to address sexual matters with greater tranquility.

scholarly journals Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining Lived Experience and Coping Strategies of Breast Cancer Survivors in Sarajevo

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Bosankic ◽  
Selvira Draganovic ◽  
Jasmina Ramic ◽  
Amber Haque
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Radical Mastectomy ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Depth Interviews

This study explored how women breast cancer survivors who underwent radical mastectomy experienced stress and adversity and managed their diagnosis and treatment. This study is based on semi-structured and in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of 22 participants. Qualitative analysis and discussion groups were conducted in the participant’s homes over 18 months. Thematic analysis resulted in four overarching categories that illustrated how being a woman was challenged and restructured from the participants’ personal experiences. The participants’ coping strategies were primarily reflected in their spirituality, optimism, the embrace of healthy lifestyles, and pink ribbon activism.

scholarly journals Assessing Breast Cancer Survivors’ Perceptions of Using Voice-Activated Technology to Address Insomnia: Feasibility Study Featuring Focus Groups and In-Depth Interviews (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Arem ◽  
Remle Scott ◽  
Daniel Greenberg ◽  
Rebecca Kaltman ◽  
Daniel Lieberman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Educational Potential ◽  
Relaxation Exercises ◽  
Depth Interviews

BACKGROUND Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) are a growing population with a higher prevalence of insomnia than women of the same age without a history of cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be effective in this population, but it is not widely available to those who need it. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to better understand BCSs’ experiences with insomnia and to explore the feasibility and acceptability of delivering CBT-I using a virtual assistant (Amazon Alexa). METHODS We first conducted a formative phase with 2 focus groups and 3 in-depth interviews to understand BCSs’ perceptions of insomnia as well as their interest in and comfort with using a virtual assistant to learn about CBT-I. We then developed a prototype incorporating participant preferences and CBT-I components and demonstrated it in group and individual settings to BCSs to evaluate acceptability, interest, perceived feasibility, educational potential, and usability of the prototype. We also collected open-ended feedback on the content and used frequencies to describe the quantitative data. RESULTS We recruited 11 BCSs with insomnia in the formative phase and 14 BCSs in the prototype demonstration. In formative work, anxiety, fear, and hot flashes were identified as causes of insomnia. After prototype demonstration, nearly 79% (11/14) of participants reported an interest in and perceived feasibility of using the virtual assistant to record sleep patterns. Approximately two-thirds of the participants thought lifestyle modification (9/14, 64%) and sleep restriction (9/14, 64%) would be feasible and were interested in this feature of the program (10/14, 71% and 9/14, 64%, respectively). Relaxation exercises were rated as interesting and feasible using the virtual assistant by 71% (10/14) of the participants. Usability was rated as better than average, and all women reported that they would recommend the program to friends and family. CONCLUSIONS This virtual assistant prototype delivering CBT-I components by using a smart speaker was rated as feasible and acceptable, suggesting that this prototype should be fully developed and tested for efficacy in the BCS population. If efficacy is shown in this population, the prototype should also be adapted for other high-risk populations.

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