Living with advanced breast cancer: perceptions of Pakistani women on life expectations and fears

Abstract

Background: Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer in Asia. Many women delay seeking heath advice and treatment for breast cancer, and between 50% and 70% of women will present when the disease in is in an advanced, aggressive form, particularly young women. The psychological impact of breast cancer is challenged by the negative public perception of cancer.

Objectives: This qualitative study explored the psychological impact of advanced breast cancer in women receiving follow-up care in an oncology hospital in Pakistan.

Methods: This qualitative study used semistructured interviews to explore women's experiences of living with advanced breast cancer and the impact that this had on their lives as women, mothers, and wives. Twenty-one women were interviewed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: The majority of 21 women interviewed were diagnosed between 1 and 11 years, and 15 women had a history of metastases. Four themes emerged from the data. These were reaction to the diagnosis, change in outlook, living life positively, and motivating factors.

Conclusion: Women acknowledged the significance of their illness on their health and longevity. Their individual cancer journey was multilayered and imbued with the hope of cure, remission, and an emotional catalog of feelings. All married women wished for sufficient time to visualize their children reach adulthood and marry. Single women wished to care for their mothers and families.

Implications for practice: Through education and support, nurses can provide women with advanced breast cancer and their families educational, spiritual, and psychological care.