An Exploratory Analysis of the Existential Experiences of Women with Cancer

Hwang, Sook Yeon

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Although there have been increasing researches into a variety of aspects associated with women's cancer, most of them are not based on cancer survivor's subjective perspectives but on pathologic and therapists' point of view. This qualitative study explores how women experience living with cancer and aims to construct the dimensions of their existential experiences from their perspectives.
METHODS
Focus groups and individual in-depth interviews were conducted to 17 patients who have been surgically treated with breast cancer or gynecologic cancer and attending the outpatient clinic in Yonsei University Severance Hospital in Seoul. The data were analyzed following constant comparison method by Strauss and Corbin.
RESULTS
Four major categories were explored by analysis as follows: continuing a fight for life, alienation from the healthy world, women's distinctiveness, and existential transition. Related subjects and concepts by each category were described.
CONCLUSION
This study shows that women with cancer experience the meaning of cancer not as a pathological process but as an adaptational process where the concept of health and dysfunction coexisted. It is suggested that oncologic medical team should approach women with cancer based on the bio-psycho-social model considering the whole dimension of patients' experiences.