Changed Body Image as Perceived by Jordanian Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. The purpose of this study was<br />to generate an understanding of women's perceptions of changes to their body image due to breast cancer treatment.<br />Method: A phenomenological qualitative approach was taken and semi-structured interviews conducted with 20<br />women who underwent breast cancer treatment at a public hospital in Jordan. Results: Data were analyzed following<br />Colaizzi's methodology, yielding a core theme (“Broken things cannot be repaired") and four subthemes: changes<br />in physical wellbeing (“my body fall apart"), changes in emotional wellbeing (“broken heart"), changes in social<br />wellbeing (“broken future"), and coping strategies (“repairing what has been broken"). Religion and family support<br />were major factors helping the women cope with their condition. Conclusion: Nurses and other healthcare providers<br />need to be aware of body image changes of women with breast cancer to initiate timely, and culturally sensitive nursing<br />intervention and support. Therefore, nurses should support patients in finding their own sources of strength to facilitate<br />their healing process.