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Volume 18, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases 2025)
ijbd 2025, 18(2): 126-147 |
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Research code: 54875
Ethics code: IR.TUMS.MEDICINE.REC.1400.870
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Jafarimanesh H, Yavari A, Goudarzi Z, Imeni5 M, Nikbakht Nasrabadi A. Lived Experiences of Women Awaiting a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study. ijbd 2025; 18 (2) :126-147
URL: http://ijbd.ir/article-1-1150-en.html
URL: http://ijbd.ir/article-1-1150-en.html
1- Department of Medical-surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Medical-surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
2- Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Student Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Medical-surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5- Department of Medical-surgical Nursing, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,nikbakht@tums.ac.ir
2- Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Student Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Medical-surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5- Department of Medical-surgical Nursing, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (608 Views)
Introduction: Waiting for a breast cancer diagnosis is one of the most challenging and stressful experiences a woman may face in her lifetime. A deep understanding of the lived experiences of women in this situation can play a crucial role in policymaking and therapeutic planning. Accordingly, this phenomenological study was conducted with the aim of exploring the lived experiences of women awaiting a breast cancer diagnosis.
Methods: This research is a qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study conducted with a Heideggerian approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of women awaiting a breast cancer diagnosis. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was performed using the methods of Diekelmann, Tanner, and Allen, and MAXQDA version 20 software was utilized for data management. To ensure the accuracy and scientific quality of the study, Lincoln and Guba's four criteria (credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability) were applied during the analysis.
Results: In this study, 12 women with a mean age of 56.08 years (age range 27 to 78 years) participated. The analysis of the data obtained from the interviews led to the identification of five main themes regarding women's experiences while awaiting a diagnosis after an abnormal breast screening. These themes included psychological turmoil, the trace of illness in everyday life, stages of adaptation, resilience pathways, and life-saving connections.
Conclusion: The study revealed that waiting for a diagnosis after an abnormal breast screening has profound psychological and emotional impacts on women. However, the use of resilience strategies, providing clear and accurate information, along with reducing waiting times and offering counseling services, can help improve the emotional and psychological experience of patients.
Methods: This research is a qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study conducted with a Heideggerian approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of women awaiting a breast cancer diagnosis. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was performed using the methods of Diekelmann, Tanner, and Allen, and MAXQDA version 20 software was utilized for data management. To ensure the accuracy and scientific quality of the study, Lincoln and Guba's four criteria (credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability) were applied during the analysis.
Results: In this study, 12 women with a mean age of 56.08 years (age range 27 to 78 years) participated. The analysis of the data obtained from the interviews led to the identification of five main themes regarding women's experiences while awaiting a diagnosis after an abnormal breast screening. These themes included psychological turmoil, the trace of illness in everyday life, stages of adaptation, resilience pathways, and life-saving connections.
Conclusion: The study revealed that waiting for a diagnosis after an abnormal breast screening has profound psychological and emotional impacts on women. However, the use of resilience strategies, providing clear and accurate information, along with reducing waiting times and offering counseling services, can help improve the emotional and psychological experience of patients.
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Coping Skills, Delayed Diagnosis, Qualitative Research, Mass Screenings, Personal Narratives
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation
Received: 2024/10/24 | Accepted: 2025/02/7 | Published: 2025/07/1
Received: 2024/10/24 | Accepted: 2025/02/7 | Published: 2025/07/1
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