"Who's gonna take care of my babies?" the impact of children on treatment decisions for women with metastatic breast cancer: a qualitative analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Few studies have explored the impact that children-and grandchildren-have on treatment decisions in metastatic breast cancer (mBC). This study examined whether or not being a parent or grandparent influences treatment decisions.

Methods

A qualitative sub-analysis was conducted with a purposive, diverse sample of 13 women with mBC in the Southeastern United States. Semi-structured interviews explored treatment decision-making, patient values, and patient-clinician communication. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis by three independent coders to identify recurrent themes.

Results

Nearly half (n = 6, 46%) of participants were women of color, and 12 had children. Seven themes emerged as key factors in treatment decision-making, with fiv

SUBMITTER: Tomczik K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12570761 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature