Existential distress and meaning making among female breast cancer patients with cancer-related fertility concerns

Abstract

Objectives. The current study explored the impact of cancer-related fertility concerns on existential distress and meaning making among female breast cancer (BC) patients of childbearing age and assessed support needs. Methods. The current study was embedded within a larger study. A seven-question online survey was administered to female BC participants to explore meaning and identity in their lives. Applied thematic analysis was used to analyze participants’ written responses. Results. A total of 98 participants completed the survey, the majority of whom identified as white, married or partnered, and employed full time and with stage I or II BC. More than 50% of the participants expressed a need for support from a counselor or support group during their cancer experience. Three subthemes emerged related to existential distress and cancer-related fertility concerns: (1) loss of womanhood: treatment-related physical changes impact on gender identity; (2) existential distress due to treatment decisions impacting fertility; and (3) shattered vision: cancer-related infertility impact on meaning and purpose. Four subthemes emerged related to meaning making with fertility-related existential concerns: (1) coping with loss of meaning, (2) re-evaluating priorities in life; (3) resilience to loss, and (4) persistent loss of meaning. Significance of Results. Study results offer valuable insights into the experiences of female BC survivors’ cancer-related fertility on existential distress and meaning making. Development of psychological interventions targeted to support this population to cope with existential distress due to cancer-related fertility concerns and meaning making are needed to improve the quality of life of this population.