Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Single-Port Robotic-assisted Transaxillary Breast-conserving Surgery: A Prospective, Single-arm, Non-randomized Phase IIa Clinical Trial
Published on: August 19, 2025
Same-day breast cancer surgery: a qualitative study of women's lived experiences
M Victoria Greenslade1, Barbara Elliott, Sue Ann Mandville-Anstey
1Center for Nursing Studies, St. John's, Canada. vgreenslade@cns.nf.ca
Purpose/Objectives:
To understand the experiences of women having same-day breast cancer surgery and make recommendations to assist healthcare professionals effect change to enhance quality of care.
Research Approach:
Thematic analysis of audiotaped interviews.
Setting:
Outpatient departments of two city hospitals on the east coast of Canada.
Participants:
Purposive sample of 13 women who had undergone same-day breast cancer surgery.
Methodologic Approach:
A constructivist approach with in-depth interviews and comparative analysis to develop and systemically organize data into four major interrelated themes and a connecting essential thread.
Main Research Variables:
Women's experiences with same-day breast cancer surgery.
Findings:
The themes of preparation, timing, supports, and community health nursing intervention were of paramount importance for effective coping and recovery. Women who had a positive experience with same-day breast cancer surgery also reported having adequate preparation, appropriate timing of preparation, strong support systems, and sufficient community health nursing intervention. Those reporting a negative experience encountered challenges in one or more of the identified theme areas.
Conclusions:
Same-day surgery is a sign of the times, and the approach to it is changing. Healthcare systems need to be responsive to such changes. Although same-day surgery for breast cancer is not suitable for every patient, women undergoing this type of surgery should be assessed individually to determine whether it is appropriate for them.
Interpretation:
Women undergoing breast cancer surgery should be screened for same-day surgery suitability. Those having same-day breast cancer surgery should be prepared adequately with timely education. Most importantly, such women should receive community health nursing follow-up for assessment, continuing education, and psychosocial support.
