The development process of self‐acceptance among Chinese women with breast cancer

Abstract

Aim The development process of self‐acceptance in breast cancer survivors is a dynamic process that is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to explore and delineate the dynamic progression toward self‐acceptance in Chinese women with breast cancer. Methods Data were collected through individual in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with 20 women who had undergone treatment for breast cancer at the breast center in a large tertiary care hospital in Ningbo, China between September 2016 and June 2017. Data analysis occurred through the open, axial, and selective coding stages of grounded theory and used the constant comparative method. Results Based on the interviewer responses, one core category, three categories, and seven subcategories were identified that pertained to the process of self‐acceptance in Chinese women with breast cancer. The core category of self‐acceptance was normalization, returning to the pre‐illness state with an identity and image that conformed to the cultural norm. To reach normalization, women progressed through a crisis stage, a compromise stage, and a managing impressions stage. Conclusion This study proposes that self‐acceptance in breast cancer survivors is a dynamic and active process. Findings will inform the development of interventions that will provide structure and support to Chinese women with breast cancer.

Emotional, informational and instrumental support needs in patients with breast cancer who have undergone surgery: a cross-sectional study

“… 25 In Chinese traditional culture, women are expected to dedicate themselves to being good wives and devoted mothers. 26 27 For patients with intimate relationships, both the nature of the breast cancer disease and its invasive treatment requirements pose significant challenges in areas pertaining to the family, profession and social life domain. In the context of a positive diagnosis, they are often forced to reconsider their responsibilities and levels of participation in significant life domains.…”

Socio-Ecological Environmental Characteristics of Young Chinese Breast Cancer Survivors

“…Gradually, they accept the uncertainty associated with the disease and learn to enjoy life, work, or study (Chen et al, 2017). However, encouragement seems to be a reminder that increases awareness of the disease's presence and can create embarrassment for survivors (Chen et al, 2020). In addition, emotional suppression is encouraged in collectivistic culture (Yeung et al, 2020).…”

“…Existing research suggests that, in contrast to other breast cancer survivors, Chinese breast cancer survivors more frequently focus on cultural norms, encounter high levels of social and self-stigma, and face financial difficulties. These factors are associated with a typical survival environment and lead to a lower quality of survivorship (Chen et al, 2020;Wong et al, 2019;Xia et al, 2018). However, few studies have focused on the ecological environments of breast cancer survivors, particularly those of YBCSs in China.…”

Psychosocial experiences of breast cancer survivors: a meta-review

“…BC survivors also experienced psychological problems due to enduring side-effects, ongoing uncertainty and concern about the future. They expressed feelings of sadness, shock, guilt, insecurity, worry, anger, fear, disappointment, distress, and grief [Reviews: [5,21,28,29,33] "Things will never be normal, and that's awful" Many survivors sought normalcy after treatment: a return to pre-cancer health and ability [Reviews: [5,13,21,22,28,36]; Papers: [95,97,100,105,106]]. Re-establishing normalcy involved adjusting daily activities to match limitations, focusing on relationships, and not focusing on the BC [Review: [21]; Paper: [69]].…”