The Spiritual Experiences of Indonesian Women With Advanced Breast Cancer: A Phenomenological Study

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Indonesia. Many Indonesian women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer experience physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual challenges, yet limited research has examined how spirituality shapes their coping experiences. This qualitative study explored the lived spiritual experiences of Indonesian women with advanced breast cancer using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Seven women aged 30-55 receiving care at a palliative clinic participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted between September and December 2023. Most participants were Muslim and married. Thematic analysis generated five overarching themes: (1) Contend with Guilt from Physical and Social Changes and Cope Through Sunnah devotion, (2) Surrender to divine will and maintain commitment to family as spiritual fulfillment, (3) Illness as a Divine Journey Toward Spiritual Redemption, (4) Gain spiritual support from family and other prayers, and (5) Connect with spiritual power from daily worship. Participants described their spiritual practices such as prayer, dhikr, Qur'anic recitation, and religious gatherings as critical coping resources that fostered emotional resilience, peace, and meaning. These findings underscore the importance of integrating spiritual care as culturally sensitive practice when supporting Indonesian women with advanced breast cancer.