Meaning of the experience of breast cancer patients in a university clinic in Bogotá, Colombia: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: To understand the meaning of the experiences of breast cancer patients undergoing diagnostic and treatment processes.

Material and methods: A descriptive qualitative study based on the hermeneutic-interpretative scientific paradigm and grounded in a phenomenological epistemological framework. The study included women aged 18 years or older diagnosed with breast cancer and treated at a university clinic in Bogotá, who were given a semi-structured interview. Procedure: Semi-structured interviews were conducted based on pre-established categories. Aspects evaluated: Knowledge about current breast cancer screening and detection patterns, current utilization patterns of healthcare services, and perceived healthcare needs.

Results: Regarding Current knowledge patterns on breast cancer screening and detection, patients demonstrated limited awareness. Concerning Current utilization patterns of healthcare services, there were noted dissatisfactions with the administrative process. Regarding Perceived healthcare needs, a feeling of abandonment was identified, stemming from a lack of continuity in the care process. Additionally, two emergent categories were identified: trust in the healthcare system and predisposition to feelings of guilt due to a lack of knowledge about the disease.

Conclusions: A comprehensive care process is needed that addresses the real medical needs of patients, beyond administrative concerns, and is focused on the quality of the doctor-patient relationship across the entire multidisciplinary team.