Yngre kvinnors upplevelser av att få en bröstcancerdiagnos och livet därefter

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and it usually affects elderly women. However, there are between 600-700 cases per year in Sweden where women under the age of 45 are diagnosed. Removal of the breast or part of the breast, hair loss, fatigue and nausea as a result of the breast cancer treatment has an emotional and physical impact on the women’s lifeworld. The nurse should build a relationship with the women to identify and meet their needs. Aim: To describe younger women’s experiences of getting a breast cancer diagnosis and life afterwards. Method: Four biographical books were analyzed to match the aim of the study. Result: The findings were that the women experience similar thoughts and feelings when it comes to living with a cancer diagnosis. Feelings such as fear, anger and distress were expressed in the biographies. To be able to fight against the disease the women highlighted the importance of support from family members and the medical staff. Conclusion: The women’s describes both physical and mental changes due to treatment, a strong influence on the woman’s lifeworld. It is therefore important that the nurse support, comfort and assist the patient during the entire course of the disease. It might help the woman to find bright spots in life and maintain hope for the future