Family experiences about women with breast cancer: A content analysis study

Abstract

Purpose: The family members of cancer patients experience many issues after the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. Therefore, this study aimed to explain the experience of family members of women with breast cancer. Methods: This qualitative study is a conventional content analysis approach. Purposeful sampling was performed using seven family members of women with breast cancer. The data collection method was a semi-structured interview. The content analysis method was used to identify the categories. Results: Three categories were extracted from the data as mental care while emotional conflict, compassionate efforts in painful moments of care, the development of the ability to cope with care-treatment challenges. Conclusion: Caring for breast cancer patients was a painful and conflicting duration for family members. However, they experienced the growth of some capabilities in themselves. The extracted essence of experiences was “trying to save the patient.” Nurses can apply family-centered strategies to create a suitable situation for clients who engage with breast cancer.