Experiences and coping strategies of women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine experiences and coping strategies of women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A descriptive, phenomenological approach was adopted. The study included 15 women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers in the chemotherapy center of a university hospital. Data was collected with a descriptive characteristic form and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Results Data analysis revealed three main themes: Problems, protection and coping. The main theme of 'problems' was grouped into four categories: living with anxiety and fear, social isolation, physical difficulties, and financial difficulties. 'Protection' was grouped into four categories: decreased stigmatization, increased preventive measures, increased communication between family members, and keeping distance. Coping was grouped into four categories: religious practices, social support, positive thinking, and hobbies. Conclusions The participants were found to experience psychosocial, financial and physical difficulties. However, they also mentioned positive aspects of the pandemic: elimination of stigmatization due to the obligation for everyone to wear a mask, lack of visits due to the lockdown and enhanced communication with family members due to increased time spent at home. Religious practices, social support, positive thinking and spending time on hobbies were helpful to cope with the problems experienced during the pandemic. The results of this study can guide nurses in offering high-quality nursing care and counseling to women treated for breast and gynecological cancers during the pandemic.

Experiences of Patients in Turkey with Breast Cancer throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and their Coping Mechanisms: A Qualitative Study

“…In the present study, the patients experienced stress because of people who did not comply with the social distancing and mask rules. In line with the findings of our study, it was concluded that patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy felt stressed when they were surrounded by people who refused to wear masks and to maintain social distancing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (Göral Türkcü et al, 2021 ; Moran et al, 2020 ). The patients who participated in our study stated that they developed healthy lifestyle behaviors to cope with the pandemic.…”

“…Staying at home and spending more time with family members throughout the pandemic, social isolation and other preventive measures have been determined to positively affect women undergoing cancer treatment (Göral Türkcü et al, 2021 ). In accordance with the findings herein, it was found that many businesses had to shut down throughout the pandemic, and the problems experienced due to unemployment caused negative financial results for patients with cancer (Colomer-Lahiguera et al, 2020 ; Nixon et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Colomer-Lahiguera et al ( 2020 ) reported that patients with cancer were resilient and resorted to positive coping strategies they learned from their experiences with cancer (Colomer-Lahiguera et al, 2020 ). One study indicated that female patients resorted to coping strategies such as taking precautions against COVID-19, getting support from a health professional and avoiding talking about the disease (Göral Türkcü et al, 2021 ; Savard et al, 2021 ).…”

“…The interviews within the scope of this study were conducted by the researcher who was exclusively trained on qualitative research. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed based on the literature review (Ayvat & Atli Ozbas, 2022 ; Göral Türkcü et al, 2021 ; Gotlib Conn et al, 2021 ). The interviews held between October 2021 and December 2021 via telephone due to the pandemic were recorded.…”

“…Cancer patients are at higher risk due to COVID-19. Due to social distancing measures, quarantine measures and disruptions in routine care for cancer patients have clearly interrupted or delayed their treatment (Göral Türkcü et al, 2021 ; Liang et al, 2020 ; Paterson et al, 2020 ; Yu et al, 2020 ). It is highly likely that the quality of life of patients with breast cancer will be adversely affected by social isolation measures which cause them to experience feelings of loneliness and anxiety (Bartmann et al, 2021 ).…”