Unmet Health needs and Concerns of women with breast cancer from the health care system and health providers - a qualitative study

Introduction & Aim: Integrated plans will be required to ensure care and rehabilitation for the growing number of cancer survivors. Information is lacking, however, about the extent to which patients rehabilitation needs are being met, and characteristics of patients who experience unmet needs after their diagnosis and throughout the disease trajectory. The purpose of this study was to understand of unmet Health needs and complaints of women with breast cancer from the health care system and health providers. Methods: This study has a qualitative design. Semi-structured interview have been conducted with 15 Iranian women surviving breast cancer to explore their view Unmet Health needs and Concerns after mastectomy. Results: Three major themes emerged that described the Unmet Health needs and Concerns of the women. (1) Shame of asking sexual questions and fear of judgment by health caregivers. (2) Doctors neglect of survivors psychological trauma and more tendencies to treat physical injuries. (3) Concerns about sexual health and contraceptive methods. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that women with breast cancer assessed that the health care system and health providers are more closely about the elimination of the physical symptoms of the disease. For patients, the assessment of sexual needs in the health system is neglected. They expected their Unmet Health needs as sexual education, counseling and support, preserving fertility, and managing emotional relationships.