Experiences of Women with Advanced Breast Cancer: A Study at the Kumasi Metropolis

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.