# A Descriptive Phenomenological Study of the Women's Experiences From the Suspicion of Breast Cancer to the Initiation of Treatment

## TL;DR

This study explores the emotional and practical experiences of Tunisian women from suspecting breast cancer to starting treatment.

## Contribution

It is the first descriptive phenomenological study in Tunisia focusing on women's early-stage breast cancer experiences.

## Key findings

- Three main themes emerged: waiting for test results, receiving the diagnosis, and waiting for treatment.
- Participants experienced vulnerability, resilience, and specific needs during the care journey.
- The study highlights psychological, physical, and economic challenges faced by women with breast cancer.

## Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. However, scientific research has paid little attention to the lived experiences of these women, from the onset of concerning symptoms to the initiation of curative treatment. This study aimed to explore and understand the experiences of Tunisian women, from the appearance of the first symptoms of suspected breast cancer to the initiation of curative treatment.

This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study, inspired by Husserl's philosophy, is the first of its kind in Tunisia to explore the feelings and experiences of women with breast cancer during the early stages of care. Individual interviews were conducted with 13 women diagnosed with breast cancer who had visited the Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out in September and October 2022. The Giorgi analysis method was used, allowing for the emergence of three main themes.

The analysis of the interviews revealed three themes: Waiting for diagnostic test results, the announcement of the diagnosis, and waiting for treatments. Together, these themes encapsulated the essence of the phenomenon: a balance between vulnerability to various challenges and resilience in managing the journey from diagnosis to treatment, reflecting a life of both struggle and strength. Participants highlighted the psychological, physical and economic challenges they faced and expressed specific needs related to their condition. These needs were particularly evident during the pre‐diagnosis phase, the moment of diagnosis disclosure and the waiting period before treatment began.

The practical implications derived from the results of this study could help inform medical and nursing practices and guide the development of care delivery strategies to better support women with breast cancer.