Work

Post-Traumatic Growth in Young and Middle-Aged Breast Cancer Patients After Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Phenomenological Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent modified radical mastectomy represent a profound psychological threat for young and middle-aged patients, potentially serving as a catalyst for post-traumatic growth. However, the subjective lived experience of post-traumatic growth in this specific population remains poorly understood, limiting the development of targeted psychosocial support. Purpose: To explore the lived experience of post-traumatic growth in young and middle-aged breast cancer patients after modified radical mastectomy, providing a reference for individualized nursing interventions in clinical practice. Patients and Methods: Using phenomenological research methods, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 young and middle-aged breast cancer patients after modified radical mastectomy. The results were organized and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological data analysis method, and themes were extracted. Results: The refined themes can be divided into three main themes and six subthemes: traumatic experiences (disease burden, psychological burden), psychological adaptation (multifaceted social support, proactive self-coping), and self-growth (positive transformation, planning for a bright future). Conclusion: Our findings reveal that post-traumatic growth in young and middle-aged breast cancer patients after modified radical mastectomy is dynamic, influenced by multiple factors. This necessitates personalized, stage-specific nursing interventions and robust social support to facilitate psychological adjustment and promote growth.

Source: Psychology Research and Behavior Management

DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s566254

Authors: Qiuyu Gu, Hongxia Hua, Linan Du, Haiying Liu

Institution: Jiangnan University

Language: English

Topic: Cancer survivorship and care

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836