"The disease and its treatment make you less of a woman": self-reported experiences of women with breast cancer receiving care in Kumasi, Ghana.

introductionWo rldwide, breast cancer (BC) tops as the main cause of cancer deaths among females. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer experience body changes, and these could lead to devastating social and economic consequences on the patients. However, there is minimal exploration on the physical and socioeconomic needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer in resource-constrained settings, hence this study.

aimThe study explored the self-reported experiences of women with breast cancer in a resource-constrained hospital in Ghana.

methodWe adopted an exploratory qualitative design involving women diagnosed with BC at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. We purposively selected fifteen (15) women diagnosed with BC receiving care at the study site. Using a pilot-tested semi-structured interview guide, the participants took part in in-depth interviews which were recorded. The audio files were then transcribed verbatim, and reflexive thematic analysis was done using Nvivo 10.0.

resultsTwo key sub-themes emerged regarding physical needs: keeping a positive outlook and physical comfort. On the socioeconomic needs, three sub-themes emerged: sexual, spiritual, and financial needs. The participants experienced sexual problems and difficulties in their sexual and social relationships because of their condition. It was noted that the participants are not supported by their husbands/partners. Likewise, the participants attributed spiritual reasons as the potential cause of their disease. In addition, treatment for BC was said to be expensive and unaffordable, and that apart from the direct cost of the treatment, patients are also required to travel from very far places for treatment.

conclusionBreast cancer diagnosis among women comes with changes in physical outlook and self-esteem due to the loss of the breast, pain, breast ulcers, scars of treatment, alopecia, and breast ulcer discharge-associated body odor. Also, breast cancer treatment is expensive and inaccessible. In addition, spiritual connotations are associated with BC diagnosis. We recommend that nurses and other care professionals tackle the physical, social, and sexual problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of BC using supportive care approaches such as intense counseling. Also, collaborative care with religious leaders of patients and sexual partners is encouraged to enhance acceptance of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment particularly in religiously charged settings.