Lived experiences of breast cancer survivors, family caregivers and clinicians' perspectives of service provision in Nigeria: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Abstract

This study documented the lived experiences of breast cancer survivors, family caregivers and clinicians' perspectives of service provision from an interpretative phenomenological analytical lens. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit participants from the outpatient oncology clinics of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Nigeria, using a qualitative approach. Eight breast cancer survivors participated in a focus group discussion. Four in-depth interviews were conducted among breast cancer survivors, two interviews were conducted among oncologists, and two interviews were conducted among family caregivers. The study finds that hopelessness and suicidal ideation thoughts were prevalent among breast cancer survivors alongside informal help-seeking behaviour. Lack of psychosocial support, strong religious beliefs and faith in traditional healers as coping strategies were reported among breast cancer survivors. Barriers to effective cancer treatment in Nigeria were cultural and religious beliefs. The study recommends culturally appropriate psychosocial support for patients affected by breast cancer.