"…it is not the sickness itself that kills. It is the emotional trauma": a qualitative study of the lived experience and systemic barriers of women with breast cancer in Nigeria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cancer among Nigerian women and is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage; yet the everyday realities that influence patient outcomes and well-being remain underexplored. Understanding the lived experiences of Nigerian breast cancer patients is critical for developing culturally appropriate, supportive, and palliative care services.

Aim

To explore the lived experiences, needs and coping strategies of women living with and beyond breast cancer in Nigeria.

Design

Qualitative study using a constructivist-interpretivist paradigm. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted online via Microsoft Teams, audio and/or video-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively using the Framework Method, with double

SUBMITTER: Asuquo EO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855229 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature