A Phenomenology of the Lived Experiences of Bahraini Women Undergoing Breast Cancer-Related Chemotherapy

Purpose:

The study aimed to explore women’s experiences with breast cancer and chemotherapy Its objectives are,  to: (1) uncover  women’s experiences  with breast cancer and chemotherapy; (2)  identify  psychosocial needs of these patients; (3)  examine their quality of life; (4) improve oncology nursing practice.

Methods:

 Qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore women’s experiences with breast cancer and chemotherapy. Open-ended interview questions were used to collect data. Data  analysis followed the four-step phenomenological data analysis . 

Results:

Six major themes emerged from the data, namely: life became dark, always ready to help, closed doors,  cancer sticking in my family, God helping me and concerns important to me. These themes represented the psychosocial aspects of the women’s experiences with breast cancer and chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

This study is the first phenomenological nursing study in Bahrain to uncover women’s experiences with breast cancer.  Its small sample does not warrant bigger representativeness, but it provides a data baseline for future nursing research on breast cancer in the Arab region. 

Nurses should understand the psychosocial needs of breast cancer patients in order to help  them cope with their situation and live quality life. They should be able to enhance their skills in providing patient support and care through further education.