Qualitative study on the experience of young women with breast cancer when disclosing the disease to children

Abstract

Objective To understand the experience of young breast cancer patients when disclosing the disease to children. Methods The phenomenological method was adopted in the study. Semi-structured interviews were performed in 13 young breast cancer patients. The date were analyzed by Colaizzi analysis method. Results Four themes were found: disclosing decision, professional information needs, feel guilty and worried about children, positive experiences with children. Conclusions The medical staff should reduce patients′ stress of disclosure and make intervention strategy to implement individual guidance. Key words: Young woman with breast cancer; Children; Disclosure of disease; Qualitative research