Abstract
BackgroundFamily interaction is an important factor contributing to the quality of survivorship among breast cancer survivors. The dearth of studies involving young females with breast cancer has limited the understanding of family interaction in this increasingly large population.MethodsThe aim of this study was to explore family interaction patterns among young Chinese breast cancer survivors. We conducted in-depth interviews with seventeen young breast cancer survivors (YBCSs) in China between May 2019 and December 2019. A content analysis was performed to identify the characteristics of family interaction in this population. Conceptualizations of feminism and social support were used to guide the data analysis.ResultsFamily interaction patterns were categorized into 5 domains from the perceptions of Chinese YBCSs: (1) adjustment of parenthood (changes in child-rearing approaches, perception of children’s care) (2) ambivalence towards intimacy (desire for intimate relationships, perceived relationship insecurity); (3) concerns regarding fertility; (4) return to work (coping with gratitude and guilt by working, readapting to family and society by working); (5) activation of the support system in a large family (instrumental support from core family members, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support from relatives).ConclusionsThe study provides a deeper understanding of the interactions between young breast cancer survivors and their family members in China. These findings can support health professionals in developing female-sensitive, culturally specific interventions to assist Chinese YBCSs and their families in increasing positive interactions and family resilience as well as quality of life. In addition, the findings are highly applicable to other female cancer survivors and their vulnerable families exposed to similar social and cultural contexts.
Highlights
Interaction is an important factor contributing to the quality of survivorship among breast cancer survivors
The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of family interaction among Chinese young breast cancer survivors (YBCSs), which could aid to the tailored interventions to improve their quality of life
We propose the characteristics of family interaction among Chinese YBCSs using a family interaction model based on our study findings (Fig. 1)
Summary
Interaction is an important factor contributing to the quality of survivorship among breast cancer survivors. The dearth of studies involving young females with breast cancer has limited the understanding of family interaction in this increasingly large population. Female breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer worldwide [1]. In China, approximately 416,371 females were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, compared with 276,382 cases of lung cancer (the second most common cancer) in females [2]. Breast cancer rates and the YBCSs have unique clinical and biological characteristics and show poorer survival outcomes than female survivors of rectum cancer, cervix cancer, and. The incidence of invasive breast cancer far exceeds the incidence of any other cancer among young women [12]. Biological and therapeutic factors contribute to the short-term and long-term health effects that affect the quality of life throughout YBCSs’ lifetimes [12]
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