Emotions and concerns of Filipino female middle-aged breast cancer patients

• Main Authors: Santos, Germaine, Sy, Deborah Jayne, Tan, Janice
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2001
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/11635
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aimed to describe the emotions and concerns of Filipino middle-aged female breast cancer patients. It focused on their initial reaction, their emotions months/years after their diagnosis, their present concerns and reported reasons for experiencing such. Eleven breast cancer patients were interviewed with the use of an interview guide. Data gathered were then analyzed qualitatively. From this, patterns and themes were produced. Results showed that initial reactions experienced by breast cancer patients were generally the same. These emotions differed only after a certain lapse of time. The differences were due to the respondents' perception and outlook toward cancer. Emotions such as shock, depression, anxiety, fear, guilt, denial, anger, acceptance, and hope were exhibited. Concerns regarding their loved ones, role as a mother, financial stability, health, recurrence, midlife, discrimination, and physical appearance emerged. However, these concerns varied due to their age, ages of their children, and their socio-economic status.