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http://dx.doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2012.13.7.3195

Breast Cancer Survivors' Efforts to Renew and Preserve Their Health in Taiwan  

Wang, Hsiu-Ho (College of Nursing, School of Nursing, Yuanpei University & National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences)
Chung, Ue-Lin (The Graduate Institute of Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences)
Publication Information
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention / v.13, no.7, 2012 , pp. 3195-3201 More about this Journal
Abstract
Aims: This study was designed to describe the personal life experiences of breast cancer survivors regarding their efforts to recover and preserve their health in Taiwan. Method: The study utilized a qualitative research method, wherein purposive sampling, one-on-one, face-to-face, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were then analyzed using content analysis. Data were saturated after interviewing 15 cancer survivors. Results: Three common themes emerged: introspection on the cause of the cancer, realization of a harmonized lifestyle, and reflecting on the strong will to survive. Conclusions: These findings are helpful in understanding the relationship between breast cancer survival and individual efforts to restore and preserve health.
Keywords
Breast cancer survivors; life experiences; health preservation; Taiwan;
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