查看文章

Background:

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Western Australia, with negative psychological impacts exacerbated for younger women. Many women survive 5 years following diagnosis, suggesting more young women and their families will be living with its ongoing effects for longer periods. Diagnosis and treatment impact a woman’s identity as a mother, but limited research exists from the women’s perspective.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to explore the impact of breast cancer on the identities of young women as “mothers.”

Methods:

A qualitative research design using conversational in-depth interviews and guided by a social constructivist paradigm was used. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 8 young women who were living with breast cancer and had dependent children. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed.

Results:

Biographical disruption …