From a Death Sentence to a Disrupted Life

Palestinian Women’s Experiences and Coping With Breast Cancer

Bibliographic Data

ID4675174
AuthorsWeeam Hammoudeh (0000-0001-9733-3087, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA, corresponding author), Dennis Hogan (0000-0003-1492-4514, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA), Dennis P Hogan (Brown University), Rita Giacaman (0000-0002-7219-134X, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine)
Year2017
Volume27
Issue4
Pages487-496
Publication date2017-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732316628833
PMID26873996
OpenAlexW2259306058
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited34

This study explores women's experiences of breast cancer in the occupied Palestinian territory. We use an inductive qualitative design with a thematic analytical approach for conducting and analyzing 35 semi-structured interviews with breast cancer patients. The interviews focused on diagnosis, experiences and coping with breast cancer, social support and care needs, and the impact of illness on their families and social relationships. Three themes emerged: (a) the transition from initial shock to the daily struggles with disruptions caused by illness, (b) the role of social support in helping women cope with the burden of disease, and the importance of (c) faith and reliance on God (tawakkul). In the Palestinian context, women's narratives highlighted the disruptive nature of breast cancer. Our findings underline the importance of social support provided by extended family members. Finally, faith is an important overarching theme that influences how women make sense of and cope with breast cancer

Linguistics · Sentence · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Philosophy · Psychology

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