Open Wounds and Healed Scars: A Qualitative Study of Elderly Women's Experiences With Breast Cancer.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Breast cancer is more prevalent among women 60 years or older than among women younger than 60 years. However, we know much more about the breast cancer experiences of younger women than of older women. Such knowledge is important, for example, to guide treatment decisions or to provide psychosocial care. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of women with breast cancer 70 years or older. METHODS:Semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 older patients with breast cancer in the Netherlands. We used open coding and affinity diagramming to evoke the themes reflecting the experiences of these women. RESULTS:Four themes emerged from the data: living through and coping with breast cancer, information exchange and informed choice, support expe

SUBMITTER: van Ee B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6494029 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May/Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature