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Lived experiences of breast cancer in patients under the age of 40: A phenomenological study
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Lived experiences of breast cancer in patients under the age of 40: A phenomenological study

Jiyoung Kim and Kyungmi Lee
European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, Vol.65, pp.102336-102336
08/01/2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102336
PMID: 37339554

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand and describe the experiences of breast cancer in patients under age 40 years in South Korea. Data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021 through individual in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 patients aged <40 years less than one year after they had completed treatment for breast cancer. We performed a qualitative study using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. The six theme clusters for intrapersonal, interpersonal, and sociocultural categories were as follows: 1) physical pain, 2) psychological response and need, 3) positive relationships with family members, 4) non-familial support system, 5) age stereotypes of cancer, and 6) Confucian culture in Korea. The study provides insights into the specific issues and major concerns of young breast cancer patients from multiple perspectives. Based on the results, optimized support should be developed to relieve the physical, psychological, and social burden on young breast cancer patients. Specific information and communication training should be offered to oncology nurses to provide counseling in order to reduce patient anxiety and fear related to these issues. The study emphasizes the importance of positive relationships with family and the non-familial support system and suggests that nursing intervention can help support these relationships to prevent social isolation. •Nurses should consider the problems and major concerns that young breast cancer patients face during treatment.•Professional knowledge and communication skills should be developed to counsel patients about menopausal status and the possibility of infertility, concerns about metastasis and relapse, and difficulties in returning to work .•It is necessary to understand the importance of maintaining family and social support systems as well as individual areas, and provide nursing intervention so that positive relationships.
 Breast neoplasms Cancer Qualitative research Young age

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