Women's experiences with breast cancer during diagnosis and therapy, Wolaita, Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the most frequent cancer worldwide. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, women experience unexpected and stressful events. In Ethiopia, specifically in the study area, the experiences of women with breast cancer, the challenges they face during treatment and follow-up have not been thoroughly investigated.

This qualitative study explores the experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing therapy at a University-based hospital in Ethiopia.

A qualitative research design was used, to explore the experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing therapy. A purposively selected sample of ten women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and were receiving therapy was recruited. Recruitment was conducted from August 1 to September 30, 2022. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data on their experiences. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis approach was employed utilizing open coding. The coded data were then analysed to reveal important insights and understandings about the participants' experiences with breast cancer during the diagnosis and therapy journey.

The thematic analysis of the data revealed four prominent themes: women's mixed emotions, characterized by a sense of high threat and hope upon receiving breast cancer diagnosis results; dealing with the changes, both physical and psychological, that the cancer and its treatment bring about in women's bodies and emotional well-being; dealing with the challenges associated with accessing therapy, including unfavourable hospital conditions and financial hardship; and experiencing care and supports from health care providers, family and friends, and faith-based communities.

These findings underscore the importance of providing comprehensive support and care for women with breast cancer. Enhancing the hospital environment, addressing resource shortages, and prioritising patient well-being are crucial steps towards improving the experiences of breast cancer patients in the study area.