Breast cancer diagnosis

Biographical disruption, emotional experiences and strategic management in Thai women with breast cancer

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2248997
AutoresPranee Liamputtong (0000-0003-0673-4497, Department of Public Health School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering La Trobe University Australia), Dusanee Suwankhong (0000-0002-9210-4282, Faculty of Public Health and Sports Science Thaksin University Thailand)
Año2015
Volumen37
Número7
Páginas1086-1101
Fecha de publicación2015-09-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSociology of Health & Illness (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0141-9889 • E-ISSN: 1467-9566
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1467-9566.12282
PMID25922881
OpenAlexW1983700675
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas23
Referencias citadas39

In this article we draw on Bury's theory of biographical disruption to discuss the meanings of, and emotional experiences related to, being diagnosed with breast cancer among southern Thai women. Qualitative methods, including in-depth interviewing and drawing methods, were used to collect data from 20 women with breast cancer. The women perceived breast cancer to be a rhok raai; an evil or dread disease. They believed that breast cancer would lead to death. The disruption in their biography occurred when they detected abnormalities indicating breast cancer. The women's narratives revealed their chaotic lives upon this diagnosis and the news precipitated in them shock, fear, anxiety and loss of hope. Although they experienced chaos and disruption, the women cultivated strategies that helped them cope with their experiences by accepting their fate and adhering to Buddhist beliefs and practices. Through their narratives of biographical disruption, the women in our study offer healthcare providers knowledge that could lead to an appreciation of their needs and concerns. This knowledge is crucial for health professionals who wish to provide emotional support to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in Thailand and elsewhere

Anxiety · Breast cancer · Cancer · Family medicine · Health care · Interview · Narrative · Political science · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Sociology · Empathy and Medical Education · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Psychology