Autistic experiences of breast cancer: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Barriers to healthcare exist for autistic people but are under explored in relation to cancer care. Previous research into autistic experiences have focused on other people's (healthcare professional (HCP) or family members) perspectives but there is a lack of research into autistic experiences of cancer care. This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore autistic experiences of breast cancer based on interview data from ten participants. Four themes are discussed in this paper, 1) interactions with HCPs, 2) overwhelming hospital processes, 3) understanding autism: self and HCPs perceptions, and 4) long-lasting impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Findings suggest that autism-specific barriers to cancer care exist and comprise three domains, firstly that the barriers are attributed to autistic characteristics and experiences, secondly that they are persistent throughout cancer care and finally, that there is a cumulative exposure to repeated barriers. These findings provide insight to HCPs that without acknowledgement and understanding of barriers to cancer care, reducing and removing them will not be possible.