From discovery to treatment: Stressors, coping, and reflections of female breast cancer survivors

• Main Authors: Rufino, Junn, Santos, Paulo Antonio, Sta. Agueda, Casleen
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2004
• Subjects: Breast > Cancer; Breast > Cancer > Patients; Breast > Cancer > Patients > Biography; Breast > Cancer > Anecdotes; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/6422
• Institution: De La Salle University

The goal of the study is to identify the stressors, coping strategies, and reflections of female breast cancer survivors from the time of diagnosis up to treatment. The researchers interviewed nine women who have undergone mastectomy and treatment. A descriptive research design was used, in addition a semi-structured questionnaire for in-depth interview was utilized to cover the variables. After the data had been gathered, the researchers have identified the themes from the data, of which are the following 1) the respondents seem to be somewhat confused or rather unsure of what their illness really is, (2) most of the respondents are religious, (3) all had a support network of family and friends, (4) all had a practical approach to their illness, (5) all found time for recreation, (6) all of them see breasts as mere appendage only, (7) all of them were afraid how their body will react to the medication, (8) because of the side-effects, they couldn't do the things that they used to do, (9) most of the respondents feel that there was a change in the way they communicated, (10) most respondents are worriers, and (11) all of them saw a benefit from their illness.