title: Experience of breast cancer: burden, benefit, or both?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transactional models of stress emphasize the role of appraisal of stress in adjustment to illness. The current qualitative study uses this framework to explore the subjective response to these stressors in women with breast cancer. Reappraisals or opportunities for growth from the experience are also examined.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to explore the experience of stress in Irish women with breast cancer using the Stress-Coping Model.
  
  
  METHODS
  The diaries of 30 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer were analyzed using thematic template analysis. A template of 5 themes based on elements of the Stress-Coping Model was defined prior to analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six top-level and 14 second-level themes were defined in the final template. Following initial diagnosis of breast cancer, women viewed it as either a threat or a challenge. After diagnosis, however, other stressful events included treatment effects, loss of womanhood, and illness disclosure. Women described coping strategies and social interactions that both increased and decreased their stress. In tandem with negative consequences of breast cancer, women also reported benefit from the experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women differed in their identification of stressful events and subsequent coping strategies. Their reports also illustrated the complex relationships between appraisal of the event, personal resources, and social interactions, which can result in both positive and negative outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Appraisal of breast cancer can vary, and awareness of this by health professionals can facilitate adjustment. Women need advice in regard to disclosure of diagnosis to others and need more information on managing treatment effects.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway (Dr Curtis and Dr Groarke); Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, England (Ms McSharry); and School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway (Dr Kerin).
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Curtis
authors.forename: AnnMarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Groarke
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McSharry
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kerin
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000451:nursing*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires