Lived Experiences of Women with Breast Cancer after Mastectomy: A phenomenological study

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and one of the main causes of death in women. Breast cancer and mastectomy is an unexpected event for women that can have negative or even positive consequences.

 This qualitative study aimed to explore women’s lived experiences of mastectomy.

This qualitative study was conducted with a phenomenological approach at city of Rasht in Guilan province, North of Iran during in 2017-2018. Twenty-three eligible women with breast cancer. were interviewed. Thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data.

The analysis of data led to the formation of 4 themes and 9 sub-themes. 1) The main theme of "dealing with fear" with 3 sub-themes: fear of disruption in life- affected sexual relationships- expensive foreign medicines. 2) The main theme of "peaceful coexistence with disease" with 3 sub-themes: surrender to divine determination- regular therapeutic follow up -Positive induction of optimism. 3) The main theme of "Positive achievements of the disease" with 2 sub-themes: personality development and maturity- strengthening emotional relationships with spouse, children and family. 4) The main theme of "constructive message for other women" with 1 sub-theme: good spirit, the key to recovery.

Based on the findings, although breast cancer and mastectomy are a traumatic event, but hope, social and family support are important factors for acceptance of this unexpected event. Also, knowledge of the lived experiences of these women can help policy makers to plan for the management of this disease.