title: The experience of living with metastatic breast cancer--a review of the literature.
abstract: Women's experiences with metastatic breast cancer have received little research attention. We reviewed published articles (1984-2013) reporting research examining women's experiences of metastatic breast cancer (n = 33). Findings from quantitative studies were categorized into three broad areas: adverse consequences, satisfaction with health care providers, and strategies for living. Themes identified from qualitative findings include living as a social outsider; importance of hope; health and quality of life; positive experiences; experiences at end of life; and strategies for living. More research is needed to explore experiences of subgroups to appropriately respond to women's diverse care needs.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Willis
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Leigh
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011788:Quality of Life