title: Breast cancer diagnosis and factors influencing treatment decisions in Ghana.
abstract: Researchers in this study explored the reactions of women with breast cancer and identified factors influencing treatment decisions. A qualitative exploratory approach was employed. Participants were recruited from a tertiary hospital and a breast cancer support group. Purposive sampling recruited 12 women. It was found that women identified breast lesions accidentally or intentionally and that diagnosis was delayed. Emotional reactions to diagnosis included shock and sadness. Factors that influenced treatment were the influence of other people, alternative sources of treatment, faith and support, knowledge, "tuning the mind," and effects on intimacy. Health professionals should develop effective communication and counseling skills for clients.
authors.affiliation: a School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences , University of Ghana , Accra , Ghana.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Aziato
authors.forename: Joe Nat A
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Clegg-Lamptey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003376:Counseling; D003657:Decision Making; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology