Unpacking the psychological and physical well-being of Ghanaian patients with breast cancer
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Dialogues in Health
Abstract
This study explored the psychological and physical well-being of 12 Ghanaian women diagnosed with breast cancer.
aged between 22 and 69 years. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with participants to understand their
lived experiences following their diagnosis and treatment. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Findings revealed that patients’ psychological and physical well-being relative to breast cancer diagnosis and
treatment are marked by (a) persistent pain, (b) concerns with physical appearance, and (c) a willingness to lose a breast
for survival, (d) positive religious coping, and (e) posttraumatic growth (i.e., positive psychological changes in the aftermath of diagnosis or treatment). The findings suggest that recognising patients’ concerns with pain, physical
changes, and the will to lose a breast to survive in the care continuum may yield public health dividends. Moreover,
the findings highlight the need for individualised psychotherapeutic interventions to assist patients in dealing with
the disease in the aftermath of their diagnosis and treatment.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Women’s health, reflexive thematic analysis, chemotherapy