title: Life experiences of women with breast cancer in south western Turkey: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This qualitative study explores the experience of women living with breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted among eight women with ongoing breast cancer chemotherapy treatment, which occurred in an ambulatory unit. The data were collected using semi-structured and in-depth individual interviews. All interviews were tape-recorded, and the results were obtained by analysing the content of the recorded data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three major themes related to the experiences of women living with breast cancer were identified. They are as follows: (1) needs (the need for spouse and family support, the need to worship, and the need to receive and share information), (2) living with losses (loss of the breast and of one's hair), and (3) changes (changes in one's normal life, change in self-perception, changes in the perception of the value of health, and a greater appreciation for life).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study was conducted to increase awareness concerning women's perceptions of their care and various needs during breast cancer treatment. The results of this study challenge health care providers and educators to be more aware of the difficulties that women face when living with breast cancer.
authors: Antalya School of Health, Akdeniz University, 07058 Campus/Antalya, Turkey. fcebeci@akdeniz.edu.tr
authors: Fatma
authors: F
authors: Cebeci
authors: Hatice Balcı
authors: HB
authors: Yangın
authors: Aysel
authors: A
authors: Tekeli
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D014421:Turkey