The Psychological Process of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Initial Chemotherapy

• Main Authors: Chen, Yen-Chieh, 陳彥潔
• Other Authors: Fan-Ko Sun
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/61637553200619568465

碩士 === 義守大學 === 管理學院管理碩士在職專班 === 101 === Since 1982, cancer mortality has become the leading causes of death in Taiwan; the same year, the mortality rate of female breast cancer was the fourth leading cause of death. However, the incidence rate of breast cancer was the number one cause of cancer in women. Most breast cancer patients are willing to receive chemotherapy, but there are many side effects and indescribable suffering during the process of chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to explore patients’ psychological process when receiving initial chemotherapy for breast cancer. A qualitative grounded theory approach was used in this study. Data were collected through theoretical sampling from semi-structured interviews of 20 patients who were from one district teaching hospital from December 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013. Data was analysed using the constant comparative method with NVivo 10 software to aid the process of coding. The results reveled that there were four stages of the psychological process that breast cancer patients went through. The stages included (1) the period of fear stage: in which patients were afraid of parting forever with their families; afraid of chemotherapy, and afraid of cancer deterioration; (2) the period of hardship stage: breast cancer patients experienced not only physical suffering but also excruciating mental torment; (3) the period of adjustment stage: patients fight against the disease, find methods for adjustment, and get assistance from supporting systems; (4) the period of relaxation stage: the stresses pent up from both the physical and mental sufferings were released and patients accepted this accidental turning point. Each stage is closely related to the other stages of the journey and is likely to occur repeatedly. The results of the present study may enhance medical professionals understanding of the psychological process of patients receiving initial chemotherapy for breast cancer, thereby providing appropriate assistance to improve the quality of patient care.