Navigating the challenging storms of cancer management in a national cancer centre: perspectives of female patients

Abstract

Background Breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers are among the top ten global cancers, affecting women, with age-standardized rates per 100,000 being 47.8 for breast, 13.3 for cervical, and 6.6 for ovarian cancer. The journey from cancer symptoms, through diagnosis and treatment, to survivorship, presents numerous challenges. These challenges encompass physical, psychological, and social aspects, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. It is crucial for research to explore not only the challenges faced by patients but also the strategies they employ to cope with these obstacles. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional qualitative approach. Twenty respondents, aged between 15 and 45 years and had been diagnosed with a reproductive cancer (breast, ovarian, or cervical), and were either undergoing treatment or had completed treatment within one year of the study period were purposively selected. Respondents were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. A thematic analysis was conducted on twenty in-depth interviews (IDIs) to understand the challenges and support systems for cancer patients. Results The study identified two principal themes: the challenges faced by patients and the available support systems. The findings are based on patient narratives regarding the obstacles encountered during diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, along with the mitigation strategies employed. Patients reported a range of challenges, categorized into financial and non-financial. Prominent among the non-financial challenges were psychological distress, body image issues, reduced sexual drive, and overall health deterioration. Support was primarily found through personal relationships and religious or spiritual beliefs. Conclusion The research highlights the extensive psychological and social effects of cancer and its treatment. The study revealed the intertwined nature of financial difficulties and non-financial challenges, emphasizing the importance of social support, including religious, family, healthcare, and peer support. The findings suggest that a comprehensive, multidisciplinary management plan which encompasses both medical and supportive care is required to enhance patient well-being