Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2025

A Quantitative Sensory Testing Paradigm to Obtain Measures of Pain Processing in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: January 18, 2018
Psychological-Distress Factors in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis
Lin Tao1, Yuping Xiang2, Xiaohong Zeng1
1Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Cancer Day-Care Unit, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Aims:
To systematically review and integrate qualitative-research results pertaining to psychological distress in patients with breast cancer and to clarify its causes and drivers.
Background:
Patients with breast cancer experience psychological distress in the stages of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, which seriously affects their quality of life. Through comprehensive qualitative research, the study comprehensively describes the experiences of patients with breast cancer to guide medical personnel in taking better care of them.
Design:
A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies.
Methods:
Qualitative studies were included if they were related to the psychological-distress experiences of patients with breast cancer. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesised using the Thomas and Harden method of thematic and content analysis.
Data Sources:
Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAL [via EBSCO], and PsycINFO, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical, and Weipu) were searched from inception until February 2024.
Results:
Thirteen studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Four analytical themes were identified: diagnostic and therapeutic, individual, environmental, and interpersonal factors.
Conclusions:
Psychological distress is a subjective feeling influenced by interactions among individual, therapeutic, environmental, and interpersonal factors, and it is commonly encountered among patients with breast cancer. Therefore, to optimise the management of psychological distress, the characteristics and external environment of patients with breast cancer should be carefully considered when delivering routine nursing care.
Impact:
Patients experience psychological distress at different stages of breast cancer; however, the causes of psychological distress at different stages differ. Medical staff should implement targeted psychological-distress intervention measures based on factors relevant to different stages.
Reporting Method:
The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement.
Registration:
The protocol of this study has been registered in the database PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023417364).
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Lazarus's Cognitive Appraisal Theory
Primary Appraisal:...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...

