Lived Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors and Renal Transplant Recipients: A Comparative Phenomenological Study

The number of Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) and Renal Transplant Recipients (RTRs) is growing due to advances in biomedical technology that lead to increase in early diagnosis and treatment. Research on survivorship has focused mainly on treatment aspects of the diseases. The goal of this study was focused on exploring and comparing the lived experiences of BCS and RTRs as both groups had a near death experience and live a closer to normal life post-recovery. The research was conducted using a phenomenological approach, and participants were selected via criterion sampling. In total, 12 women (6 BCS and 6 RTRs) were selected aged 44-63 years. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA). The analysis gave meaningful insights as reflected by three major themes and eight categories that revolved around Acceptance (Initial Impact of Illness, Fear and Anxiety), Coping Styles (Religious and Spiritual Coping, Gratitude, Social Support and Relationships), and Altered Life Orientation and Future Concerns (Adaptation, Future Concerns about Health and Well-being, Post-traumatic Growth). Findings highlight the post-recovery concerns of BCS and RTRs and implicate the role of health psychologists in devising appropriate management plans to improve their quality of life after recovery.