Experiences of Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in Turkey

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe the experiences of women in Turkey during the diagnostic phase of breast cancer. Design: In the research, the phenomenological approach was used. The data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews. The sample comprised nine breast cancer patients in the diagnostic phase. Results: The data were categorized into four themes: facing the breast cancer diagnosis, uncertainty, avoidance, and holding on to life. Women experience intense uncertainty about the disease, treatment, and social relationships and thus exhibit avoidance behavior. Implications: Nurses should be aware of psychosocial difficulties suffered during the diagnostic phase and provide care for patients. It is important that nurses provide information about the diagnostic phase to women with breast cancer and encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings.