A qualitative study on the experience of empowerment from the perspectives of breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Aim: To describe the experience of empowerment for breast cancer survivors in order to increase quality of life after treatment. Design: We adopted a qualitative design in this study. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach guided by interpretive description methodology as the theoretical framework was used in this study. Semi-structured group and individual interviews were conducted with eleven female Chinese breast cancer survivors (mean age 54.18 years, 100% female). Results: Many survivors reported that they continued to experience disease-related discomfort from the physiological aspect, but they use multiple ways to improve quality of life. Breast cancer survivors experienced empowerment after treatment. Empowerment mainly required three components: a belief in good health, capability of self-management and acquisition of a good social support system.