Burden and coping strategies of women suffering from breast cancer during their surgical primary therapy--the view of nurses [Belastungen und Bewältigungsstrategien von Frauen mit Brustkrebs in der Phase der chirurgischen Primärtherapie--die Sicht der Pflegenden.]

Abstract

The findings illustrated in this article, are part of a larger research project funded/financed by the Deutsche Krebshilfe e.V., with the aim of gaining understanding of the stresses and strains, coping strategies and needs of women suffering from breast cancer during their surgical primary treatment. Breast cancer leads to a variety of burden for women and their families. To cope with the disease women use different strategies. External assessment and self-assessment of burden and coping sometimes result in different outcomes, such as experts overestimating their patients' fear or depression or uncovering coping strategies oblivious to the interviewees. Qualitative interviews with twelve nurses in three Northern German hospitals were conducted. The content analysis of the interviews followed Mayring's approach. Uncertainty and anxiety are common characteristics for the affected women. The observed strategies can be classified into five categories: to deny the disease, to withdraw from others, to communicate, to comprehend the disease, to accept the disease. Coping strategies such as withdrawal and denial present a challenge to the nurses' communication behaviour. The findings of the survey at hand indicate a demand for suitable care interventions, further education, and training for professionals nursing women with breast cancer. Scientifically supported nursing concepts and specialised nurses are expected to comply with the affected women's special requirements.