Endurance and Evolution: Exploring Levels of Resilience Among Indian Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Resilience for Indian women with breast cancer involves maintaining positivity and adaptability amid the complex challenges affecting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. However, research focused on resilience amongst this population in Indian settings is limited. Therefore, the aim of the study is to explore the experience of levels, patterns, and processes of resilience in Indian women living with breast cancer. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to study resilience. Thirty-three participants from two hospitals underwent semistructured interviews, including survivors, women in cancer therapy, and family members. Data collected via audio recordings were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis techniques. The finding describes four themes of experience of resilience in women living with breast cancer. (a) Cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience. Breast cancer diagnosis and therapy cause existential crisis, psychological distress, and social stigma. (b) Restoring healthy perception in an adverse event. Navigating challenges and achieving a balance between internal and external factors. (c) Types of support—the pathway to resilience. Enhanced their resilience through internal support including attributes, past experiences, sociodemographic factors, and brain fitness. External support includes family, friends, religious or spiritual advisors, medical care, role models, other cancer survivors, and comfortable environments. (d) Learning and growing from the experience. Gained a better perspective on life, ultimately resulting in a new normal and finding meaning in the experience. Data show breast cancer survivors experience dynamic resilience, highlighting the need for culturally tailored interventions and supportive avenues within cancer care by healthcare providers and policymakers.