title: Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors with Oncology Settings in Urban India: Qualitative Findings.
abstract: The experience of diagnosis and treatment of cancer leads to significant changes within an individual. In the course of survivorship trajectory, very often cancer survivors are left with the sense, improvements could be done to enhance the quality of cancer care. This article focuses on experiences of breast cancer survivors with oncology setting in urban India. Data was collected from 15 women in South and East India using in-depth interview method. Qualitative interview data was analysed using descriptive phenomenology method. Areas of importance that emerged broadly included informational and emotional categories. Findings reveal quality of cancer care in India can be improved through developing an orientation towards patient-centred style rather than doctor/disease centred approach which has major influence on physical and mental health outcomes. This would require further research and increased emphasis on training of medical as well as paramedical professionals.
authors.affiliation: Manukau Community Mental Health Centre, Counties Manukau District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand ; Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Michelle S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Barthakur
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Mahendra P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Santosh K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Chaturvedi
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Oncology, St. Johns Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Suraj K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Manjunath
keywords: Breast cancer; Emotional Needs; Informational Needs; Qualitative; Survivors