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Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases
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Research code: 403145-NRPA -1404
1- Student Research Committee, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
2- School of Nursing, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
3- School of Nursing, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran ,m.bigdeli@sbmu.ac.ir
2- School of Nursing, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
3- School of Nursing, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran ,
Abstract: (18 Views)
Introduction: Although breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, empirical efforts to capture the raw, existential experiences of patients remain fragmented. Current research lacks a unified framework for understanding the profound existential crises these women face. Consequently, this study intends to fill this conceptual void by articulating the existential challenges and adaptive processes that follow a breast cancer diagnosis.
Methods: In this phenomenological study, participants were selected using purposive sampling with maximum diversity and in accordance with the entry criteria at Imam Hassan Mojtaba Medical Center in Dezful city. Interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone with semi-structured and open-ended questions. Data analysis was conducted based on Van Manen's six-step framework of hermeneutic phenomenology, which included explaining the nature of the lived experience, examining the phenomenon, extracting main themes, artistic writing and rewriting, maintaining research focus, and establishing a balance between the parts and the whole of the data.
Findings: In this study, 15 women with an average age of 44 participated. Data analysis led to the identification of five main themes about women’s experiences after a breast cancer diagnosis, all of which were subsumed under the central theme “existential transformation: from the collapse of being to the reconstruction of meaning.” These themes included the collapse of biological structure, existential turmoil in the face of the diagnosis, the instability of female-familial roles and identity, the vulnerability of intimate and social relationships, and the reconstruction of meaning and healing in the refuge of spirituality and hope.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that establishing psychological support services, individual and family counseling, strengthening support networks, and focusing on spirituality and hope can help women better adapt to the crisis caused by the disease. Also, training the treatment team to understand better patients' existential and psychological needs can significantly improve the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Methods: In this phenomenological study, participants were selected using purposive sampling with maximum diversity and in accordance with the entry criteria at Imam Hassan Mojtaba Medical Center in Dezful city. Interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone with semi-structured and open-ended questions. Data analysis was conducted based on Van Manen's six-step framework of hermeneutic phenomenology, which included explaining the nature of the lived experience, examining the phenomenon, extracting main themes, artistic writing and rewriting, maintaining research focus, and establishing a balance between the parts and the whole of the data.
Findings: In this study, 15 women with an average age of 44 participated. Data analysis led to the identification of five main themes about women’s experiences after a breast cancer diagnosis, all of which were subsumed under the central theme “existential transformation: from the collapse of being to the reconstruction of meaning.” These themes included the collapse of biological structure, existential turmoil in the face of the diagnosis, the instability of female-familial roles and identity, the vulnerability of intimate and social relationships, and the reconstruction of meaning and healing in the refuge of spirituality and hope.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that establishing psychological support services, individual and family counseling, strengthening support networks, and focusing on spirituality and hope can help women better adapt to the crisis caused by the disease. Also, training the treatment team to understand better patients' existential and psychological needs can significantly improve the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation
Received: 2026/02/24 | Accepted: 2026/06/2
Received: 2026/02/24 | Accepted: 2026/06/2
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