Iranian Women Post Mastectomy life experiences:A qualitative study

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of death in women aged between 35 and 55. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Iranian women, with 22.6% .Advances in treatment of breast cancer have not avoided using mastectomy in all cases, and when this happens(81%), we are dealing with a woman who is suffering from different problems. Studies have shown that mastectomy lead to more truma than the cancer illness itself. Thus Mastectomy and their subsequent apparent changes has undergoes numerous challenges on the life of this group of women that affect not only the patient, but also her huseband and her relationship with him and affect on various aspects of their lifes. So to understand the different aspects of their life and improving the quality of services provided in cancer treatment centers and enhancing their quality of life , This qualitative phenomenological study was coducted with aim of that described the lived experiences of 15 women who were undergoing mastectomy post breast cancer diagnosis.Methods In a qualitative study (phenomenological) after obtaining the necessary permission for data collection . Women were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews, during one year after they have a mastectomy. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed. Results:Whereas mastectomy is one of the methods of treating breast cancer in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy the experiences also includes experiences with other breast cancer therapies and It is not possible to explain the post mastectomy experiences alon.The result shown that Mastectomy provokes a painful experience of body deconstruction, contrasted feelings and dissonance are expressed when comparing the former healthy body to the present challenged body entity .we extracted five main concepts : Emotional - behavioral and social responses to diagnosing of cancer , coping with mastectomy, the cost of delay in cancer diagnosis , identity , Trying to return to a normal life , Interaction with cancer treatment center Conclusions :Extracted concepts shown that The consequences of mastectomy and Breast cancer transform the woman s corporality and embodiment, and question her identity and She tries to cope with this painfull crisis and return to his normal life. The role of cancer treatment centers have been very important and effective. So it seems that the Psychologyical support and Nutrition /midwifery Counseling in these centers can be effective for them and their families. Also providing the paitent safty program and imrpoving quality of services ,could increase the women quality of life. In addition to, the courses for exchange the experience of mastectomy among mastectomy patients can improve the acceptation of their condition and help them to solve their problem.These findings also indicates on need to more attention to early diagnosis of breast cancer and appropriate Insurance cover and financial resources to easy acess for treatment and support services.

کلیدواژه ها:

Mastectomy ، Breast Cancer ، Qualitative study ، experiences