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Women's lived experience of breast biopsy: a phenomenological study
1Department of Nursing Studies, University College, Cork, Ireland. mairino'mahony@ucc.ie
This study aimed to explore Irish women's lived experience of breast biopsy with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of their individual experiences and the meanings that it holds for them. A phenomenological approach from a Heideggerian hermeneutical perspective was used. Study participants were eight women aged 22-54 years who had experienced a recent breast biopsy with benign diagnosis. Data were collected using in-depth interviewing. The work of Benner (1994), together with guidelines from Morse & Field (1996) and Burnard (1991) were used to guide the process of data analysis. Themes which emerged from the data were: 'Finding the lump', 'Waiting, not knowing', 'knowing', 'Getting back to normal' and 'Reflections'. Women's feelings of initial distress followed by relief permeate these themes.
This study aimed to explore Irish women's lived experience of breast biopsy with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of their individual experiences and the meanings that it holds for them. A phenomenological approach from a Heideggerian hermeneutical perspective was used. Study participants were eight women aged 22-54 years who had experienced a recent breast biopsy with benign diagnosis. Data were collected using in-depth interviewing. The work of Benner (1994), together with guidelines from Morse & Field (1996) and Burnard (1991) were used to guide the process of data analysis. Themes which emerged from the data were: 'Finding the lump', 'Waiting, not knowing', 'knowing', 'Getting back to normal' and 'Reflections'. Women's feelings of initial distress followed by relief permeate these themes.
