A qualitative insight into self-management experience among Chinese breast cancer survivors.
With increasing awareness in the chronic nature of cancer, promoting the engagement of breast cancer survivors in self-management has become a priority of cancer care reform initiatives. This study aimed to reveal Chinese breast cancer survivors' views and experiences of self-management in extended survivorship.



Archived interview transcripts from 19 breast cancer survivors (<5 years since diagnosis) were subjected to a secondary analysis. Each transcript was re-examined through qualitative content analysis.



Three categories were established to represent the perceptions of the participants on their self-management tasks related to health and well-being, emotions, and roles and relationships. Managing health and well-being covers modifying lifestyle, taking traditional Chinese medicine, attending regular follow-ups, managing symptoms, and adhering to hormonal therapy. Managing emotions involves maintaining a positive attitude and utilizing supportive resources. Managing roles and relationships comprises adjusting to life as cancer survivors, maintaining marital relationships, and performing familial and other social roles.



Most participants actively participated in various self-management tasks and behaviors that can help improve their health and prevent cancer recurrence. They may exhibit optimal self-management in their emotions and most health aspects but may exert limited efforts in managing their different roles during survivorship.
School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Core A, Rm A129, Yuk Choi Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR.
Huilin
H
Cheng
The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 7/F, ELB733, Esther Lee Building, Tai Po Road, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, SAR.
Janet W H
JWH
Sit
Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD11, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597.
Karis K F
KKF
Cheng
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D000073116:Cancer Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000073278:Self-Management / Q000523:psychology*
Chinese; cancer; fear of recurrence; oncology; self-management