J Korean Acad Nurs.  2023 Feb;53(1):115-128. 10.4040/jkan.22119.

The Experience of Gynecologic Cancer in Young Women: A Qualitative Study

• Kim SJ
• Shin H

• KMID: 2539682
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.22119

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to understand the experiences of women under 40 years of age with gynecologic cancer.
Methods
Semi-structured individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 Korean female patients aged 21~39 years with gynecologic cancer. The data were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss' grounded theory approach, including open coding, context analysis, and integrating categories.
Results
Grounded theory analysis revealed nine categories and a core category of ‘the journey to find my life after losing the life as a typical woman.’ The categories that emerged as the conditions are ‘Unwelcomed guest, cancer,’ ‘Completely devastated life as an ordinary woman,’ ‘Uncertain future,’ ‘Losing my physical characteristics as a woman,’ and ‘Life tied with treatments.’ The actions/interactions were ‘Decrease of interpersonal relationships,’ ‘A lonely battle to overcome alone,’ and ‘The power to overcome hardships.’ The consequence was ‘Live my own life.’
Conclusion
This study contributes to the development of a substantive theory of the experience of gynecologic cancer in young women, which has been on the rise in recent years. The study’s results are expected to be used as a basis for providing nursing care to help young women with gynecologic cancer adapt to their disease.

Keyword

Women; Young Adult; Neoplasms; Gynecology; Qualitative Research