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Title: | THE EXPERIENCES AND SUPPORT OF WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL BREAST CANCER IN SINGAPORE | Authors: | LIOW HUI FANG, KELLY | Keywords: | Gestational breast cancer Pregnancy-associated breast cancer Experiences Support |
Issue Date: | 25-May-2019 | Citation: | LIOW HUI FANG, KELLY (2019-05-25). THE EXPERIENCES AND SUPPORT OF WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL BREAST CANCER IN SINGAPORE. ScholarBank@NUS Repository. | Abstract: | Background Gestational breast cancer (GBC) is a common malignancy affecting pregnancy. Being diagnosed with GBC is a challenging experience for women as they juggle between the role of a sick woman and a mother. Additionally, these roles require different support. Despite literature on GBC management, few focuses on women’s experiences and existing support. Aims: This study aims to explore the experiences and support of women with GBC in Singapore and to identify areas for further support. Methods This qualitative descriptive study used convenience sampling to recruit seven women with GBC, who were following up at the Breast Centre of a tertiary women hospital. All semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, conducted using a modified interview guide, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes emerged: bolt from the blue, being a sick woman, juggling between being a mother and a patient, and hopes for the future. GBC was a surprising diagnosis and women contended with the changes from treatment as a mother and a patient. Many internalized their experiences and were able to cope with support from their family, the healthcare professionals, other breast cancer patients and the internet. Conclusion Every woman experiences GBC differently based on how they perceive their encounters and utilize existing coping resources. More can be done to improve their experiences by providing further support to mediate their coping efforts. Further qualitative studies are needed to confirm the study findings. Implications of Study The study findings will allow healthcare workers to develop a tailored and holistic care plan for these women during the antenatal, pregnancy and postpartum periods. Better screening processes to identify those in need of further support can be initiated in future so that relevant help can be readily available. | URI: | https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/153782 |
Appears in Collections: | Bachelor's Theses |
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