Women's experiences of being diagnosed and treated for breastcancer and how the disease affects the life situation : A literature-based study

Background: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. It is considered anappalling disease with its high mortality, demanding treatment and major impact on selfimageand body perception. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe women's experiences of being diagnosed and treatedfor breast cancer and how the breast cancer affects their life situation. Method: The method used was a literature study based on qualitative research. Eleven studieswere analysed according to the five-step model by Friberg. Results: The analysis resulted in three main themes and sex subthemes. The main themeswere: The life is threatened, Suffer from disease and Life continues. Conclusion: Suffering from breast cancer imposes changes on all aspects of the women's life,both physically, mentally and socially and evokes various individual coping strategies. In thisprocess it is vital that the nurse, which is closest to the patient, has a good understanding ofthe various patterns of crisis reaction to be able to deliver a good professional care andindividual support to the women