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Patients’ experiences of family members’ reactions to diagnosis of breast cancer and support in the management of breast cancer in Lagos, Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 August 2020

Samuel Ojima Adejoh*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria
Adetayo Olorunlana
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria
Adeola Adejayan
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria
*
Author for correspondence: Samuel Ojima Adejoh, Department of Social Work, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria. E-mail: sadejoh@unilag.edu.ng

Abstract

Objective

The objectives of this study are to describe patients’ experiences of family members’ reactions to diagnosis of breast cancer and investigate the role of family support in the management of breast cancer.

Method

The study used the descriptive qualitative method in data collection and analysis. Fifteen participants, who were undergoing either radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment at a private hospital, consented and participated in the study. Data were content analyzed under two specific themes on family members’ reactions and family support received.

Findings

The findings show that some participants reported negative reactions of some family members, and this affected them negatively. While some participants received support from their families, others did not.

Significance of findings

The findings of our study show the critical role of family support in the management of breast cancer; therefore, family members should be encouraged to give breast cancer patient the necessary support to help them manage their sick role behavior since their illness has no cure.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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