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Experiences from having breast cancer and being part of a support group. Notes written in diaries by women during radiotherapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 February 2012

Sofia Emilsson ,
Ann-Christine Svensk ,
Karolina Olsson ,
Jack Lindh  and
Inger Öster
Sofia Emilsson
Affiliation:
Mellannorrlands Hospice AB, Sundsvall, Sweden
Ann-Christine Svensk
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
Karolina Olsson
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
Jack Lindh*
Affiliation:
Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
Inger Öster
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Jack Lindh, Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, University of Umeå, S-90185 Umeå, Sweden. E-mail: jack.lindh@onkologi.umu.se
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Abstract

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of breast cancer patients participating in a support group.

Method:

This study explores 28 stories of women with breast cancer as expressed through written diaries. Diaries were written during a 5-week period in parallel with radiotherapy and participation in a support group in a hospital. Answers to six open-ended evaluative questions concerning the support group were included in the majority of the written diaries. A qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes.

Results:

Three themes were constructed during the analysis: “positive group development.” “Inhibited group development.” and “the individual living with the disease.” Hopes and fears for the future in regards to illness and getting better, the value of family and friends, and feelings related to daily life with breast cancer such as fatigue and changes in body image were also expressed in the diaries.

Significance of results:

The findings suggest that the women with breast cancer found it valuable to be able to share experiences with other women in a similar situation in the context of a support group. Being part of such a group provided a space and an opportunity for reflection.

Keywords

Breast cancerDiarySupport groupWomenQualitative content analysis
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 10 , Issue 2 , June 2012 , pp. 99 - 105
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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