Concerns of Women With Breast Cancer During Their Therapy in Iran: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

Objective: Women with breast cancer (BC) may have dreadful experiences mainly because of the severity of their disease, the complications of treatments, and its psychological burden. In this study, we explored the concerns of BC cases in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the problems of BC patients from the beginning of treatment and its continuation in Kerman city.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive–explorative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach to investigate the concerns of women with BC during their therapy in Iran. A total of 30 women with BC were included in the study through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The study process lasted from November 2019 to December 2022.

Results: Three hundred and twenty codes, 1 main category, 3 categories, and 16 subcategories were extracted. Based on the participants’ experiences, women with BC face various concerns during their treatment: (1) physical and psychological problems, (2) family and social problems, and (3) organizational problems.

Conclusion: This study shows that most of the concerns of BC are related to psycho-emotional problems, easy access to medicine and treatment costs, and other economic problems. This clearly shows the urgent need of these patients for regular counseling and follow-up and more support in the field of financing. Addressing concerns before treatment, particularly among women who are considered a vulnerable group in society, can assist researchers and specialists in planning counseling and necessary follow-ups to reduce these patients’ anxiety and support their rehabilitation after treatment. Attention to the necessary psychological and social support for these patients may also help improve their adaptation.