EXPLORING THE PHYSICAL WELL-BEING OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN KUMASI METROPOLIS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundYears back, cancer was thought to be a problem limited to the developed countries. Cancer is now a disease with lots of burden, leading cause of death and disability in developing countries. Physical health is very important for the overall well-being of breast cancer survivors, since it is the visible part of the dimensions of overall health and well-being. Prior studies have examined factors leading to late detection, financial burden and experiences of caregivers of breast cancer patients in Ghana, however, none of the studies have explored how breast cancer may specifically impact the physical well-being and the quality of life of these women. This study therefore seeks to explore how breast cancer impact the physical well-being and the quality of life of these women.MethodologyThe study site and setting was the Oncology directorate at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital where twelve respondents were recruited for the study. Breast care survivors were purposively sampled and interviewed (face-to-face) to explore how the BC has impacted on their physical wellbeing and their Quality of Life (QoL). Demographic data were obtained before the main interview. The interviews lasted between 30minutes to 45minutes. Data was analysed using thematic analysis of key information by using NVivo data management software.ResultsParticipants described their physical wellbeing according to the way they encountered the disease from the onset through to the treatment administration. Five sub-themes emerged, namely: Fatigue/bodily weakness: impaired functional ability: pain; distorted sleep; and fertility.ConclusionFatigue, impaired functional ability, pain, distorted sleep and fertility were consistent with constructs of the Quality of Life model. These physical symptoms negatively affected the total well-being of the BCSs.