Perceptions and Lived Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors

The qualitative study was carried out using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) with breast cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of BCS to investigate the role of different psychosocial consequences that may influence their perceptions and experiences. Furthermore, the purpose was to understand the process of adaptation and adjustment with breast cancer. Total 12 female breast cancer survivors were approached for semi-structured qualitative interviews using maximum variation sampling strategy. The themes emerged from the analysis using IPA were medicalization, self-image, life orientation, post-traumatic growth, psychosocial concerns, and stigmatization. Findings of the current study suggested that breast cancer is a chronic condition that have a significant impact on physical health along with the psychosocial issues that need to be assess and manage to improve quality of life of breast cancer survivors. This research may also provide an opportunity for future studies to design therapeutic interventions to promote better quality of life along with coping strategies.