title: Women's lived experience of breast biopsy: a phenomenological study.
abstract: This study aimed to explore Irish women's lived experience of breast biopsy with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of their individual experiences and the meanings that it holds for them. A phenomenological approach from a Heideggerian hermeneutical perspective was used. Study participants were eight women aged 22-54 years who had experienced a recent breast biopsy with benign diagnosis. Data were collected using in-depth interviewing. The work of Benner (1994), together with guidelines from Morse & Field (1996) and Burnard (1991) were used to guide the process of data analysis. Themes which emerged from the data were: 'Finding the lump', 'Waiting, not knowing', 'knowing', 'Getting back to normal' and 'Reflections'. Women's feelings of initial distress followed by relief permeate these themes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Studies, University College, Cork, Ireland. mairino'mahony@ucc.ie
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Mahony
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D004644:Emotions; D005086:Existentialism; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011340:Problem Solving; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*