Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of Ghanaian women living
with advanced breast cancer in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study employed a qualitative
exploratory descriptive design. A purposive sampling was used and data was saturated with 10
participants varying in age between 32 years and 65 years. All interviews were audio-taped and
transcribed. Data was analyzed based on the techniques of content analysis. During the study,
anonymity and confidentiality were ensured. Research supervisors audited data to ensure
credibility. Eight major themes describing the participants‘ lived experiences emerged: impaired
activities of daily living, malignant wound, body image, physiological effects, emotional
reactions, support, coping, and lost hopes. The women indicated that they experienced distress
because of concerns about body image and worries about the effect of stress on their illness. The
stress emanated from fear of dying, fear of disease progression and debilitation, the loss of their
future, and practical concerns. The women also experienced a decline in their daily activities due
to physical symptoms of the illness and the side effects of the treatments. Most of the women had
emotional, social, financial, and spiritual support from spouses, families, churches, work place,
and health professionals. It was recommended that health care providers involved in breast
cancer management need opportunities for training to enhance effective and holistic care of
women diagnosed with the disease. Also, patients with advanced disease should be given
multidisciplinary management by trained oncology and palliative care team.
