title: Social disclosure about lymphoedema symptoms: A qualitative study among Japanese breast cancer survivors.
abstract: Disclosing illness-related problems is the first step in help-seeking. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore Japanese breast cancer (BC) survivors' decision-making about disclosure of lymphoedema symptoms to people in their social networks. A total of ten women participated in group discussions in Japan. A dual analytic approach, thematic analysis and conceptual analysis, was applied to the transcripts. Two themes (perceived responsibility of social roles within the family and unsupportive reactions to BC from others) affected participants' decision-making. Support programs for Japanese BC survivors who feel unable to disclose lymphoedema symptoms to family members are suggested.
authors.affiliation: a Graduate School of Nursing , Chiba University , Inohana 1-8-1, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8672 , Japan.
authors.forename: Miyako
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsuchiya
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Horn
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ingham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D000066505:Help-Seeking Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007564:Japan; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012380:Role; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Japan; breast cancer; lymphoedema; social disclosure; social interaction