Exploring influencing factors in breast cancer survivors’ experience in Lebanon

Abstract

BackgroundThe research objective was to investigate social and cultural factors affecting breast cancer survivors’ experiences in Lebanese.MethodsA snowball sampling of 20 breast cancer survivors participated in the study. Semi-structured open-ended interviews were used to collect data.ResultsThe results showed that family support and religious beliefs were the primary supporting sources for breast cancer survivors. On the other hand, their body image and children were the major concerns. Thus, family and religious beliefs were needed to overcome breast cancer’s daily burden.ConclusionWomen with breast cancer perceived their cancer experience through their social roles, reflecting a concern for image and role preservation.

Assessing quality of life and depression in non-metastatic breast cancer patients following surgical treatment: A cross-sectional study in Lebanon

“…In this study, the terms "depression" and "depressive symptoms" are used interchangeably. The severity of depression was categorized based on the following scores: mild [5][6][7][8][9], moderate [10][11][12][13][14], moderately severe [15][16][17][18][19], and severe [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] depression. [23] It is important to note that the Arabic version of the PHQ-9 has been validated in previous studies, [25,26] confirming its suitability for use in this context.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Despite the substantial burden of breast cancer globally, there remains a notable research gap concerning the psychosocial aspects of breast cancer survivorship, particularly in regions like Lebanon. [21,22] This study endeavors to bridge this knowledge gap by comprehensively examining QOL and depression levels among non-metastatic breast cancer patients in Lebanon, offering hope to breast cancer patients facing similar challenges worldwide.…”