Perspectives in Nursing Science
- Volume 10 Issue 1
- /
- Pages.41-51
- /
- 2013
- /
- 2288-2898(pISSN)
- /
- 2288-7687(eISSN)
A Qualitative Study on Breast Cancer Survivors' Experiences
유방암 생존자의 질병 극복 경험
- Yun, Mira (College of Nursing, Seoul National University) ;
- Song, Misoon (College of Nursing, Seoul National University)
- Received : 2013.03.04
- Accepted : 2013.04.11
- Published : 2013.04.30
Abstract
Purpose: This study was performed to understand the characteristics and the meaning of the illness experience of breast cancer survivors as basic data for the development of an intervention program. Methods: The participants were 25 breast cancer survivors who had completed treatment at a tertiary hospital in Seoul. Data were collected through in-depth and unstructured audio-recorded interviews by the investigator. The participants were asked to describe their illness experience. The data were analyzed according to Giorgi's method for phenomenological analysis. Results: The interview data were organized by theme into 6 categories that emerged from the analysis. The themes were acceptance of the illness, active coping with reality, gaining strength through the support of surrounding people, struggling to overcome a negative mindset, self-reflection, and the pursuit of a meaningful new life. Conclusion: We recommend the development of a survivorship program based on self-reflection, which can engender self-transcendence and spiritual well-being.