Preoccupations and Worries in Women with Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aims: As one of the most prevalent cancers among women, breast cancer can severely affect the patients psychologically. Worry and anxiety can be one of these effects. Hence, this study is conducted to evaluate the most important worries and preoccupations of women with breast cancer. Methodology: In this qualitative study, 14 women with breast cancer under treatment are selected from Tehran's clinics and Shohada hospital and 7 psychotherapists and counselors are selected from consultation centers in Tehran in 2016 using purposive sampling method. The patients were interviewed using group-focused method and the therapists were interviewed individually using in-depth interview. The data was recorded and along with data collection, the results were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Future uncertainty and ambiguity were the main themes found in this study. The sub-themes also included lack of control, prediction of loss and psychological insecurity. Conclusion: Women with breast cancer have many worries and the main themes of these worries include ambiguity, future uncertainty and secondary themes include insecurity, prediction of loss and vulnerability.