Lived experiences of psychosocial and quality of life outcomes for adults newly diagnosed with breast cancer in interior British Columbia: qualitative research
4 affiliations
- 1School of Nursing and Population Health, Population Health and Aging Rural Research Centre, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC, Canada
- 2School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- 3Clinical Services, InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- 4School of Nursing, Canada Research Chair Tier II in Nursing and Population Health, Population Health and Aging Rural Research Centre, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC, Canada
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with rising incidence rates in British Columbia (BC), Canada. While survival rates have improved, the psychosocial burden of survivorship is significant. The study aimed to examine the lived experiences of psychosocial outcomes and quality of life of adults newly diagnosed with breast cancer in interior British Columbia.
Methods: An explorative-descriptive qualitative research design was used. A purposive sampling was used to recruit participants who had received a diagnosis of breast cancer. Interviews were conducted with 28 participants from April 2023 to April 2024. Data were transcribed and analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis in NVivo 14 software.
Results: Content analysis revealed three main categories: a) transitional care: need for mentorship, connection and advocacy; b) quality of life: psychological, emotional, and financial distress; and c) interpersonal relationships: body identity, sexuality, and dysmorphia
Conclusions: As the population continues to age, insights into psychological outcomes and challenges experienced by newly diagnosed adults with breast cancer are increasingly necessary for evidence-informed knowledge and care recommendations. Healthcare professionals adopting a shared team-based, equity-oriented care approach helps to address social, financial, and physiological needs.
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BibTeX
@article{dsouza2026lived,
title = {{Lived experiences of psychosocial and quality of life outcomes for adults newly diagnosed with breast cancer in interior British Columbia: qualitative research}},
author = {Melba Sheila D’Souza and Aishwarya Manish and Hannah Nette and Juanita-Dawne R Bacsu},
journal = {Frontiers in Global Women's Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fgwh.2026.1828624},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2026.1828624},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Lived experiences of psychosocial and quality of life outcomes for adults newly diagnosed with breast cancer in interior British Columbia: qualitative research
AU - Melba Sheila D’Souza
AU - Aishwarya Manish
AU - Hannah Nette
AU - Juanita-Dawne R Bacsu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Frontiers in Global Women's Health
DO - 10.3389/fgwh.2026.1828624
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2026.1828624
AB - Background: Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with rising incidence rates in British Columbia (BC), Canada. While survival rates have improved, the psychosocial burden of survivorship is significant. The study aimed to examine the lived experiences of psychosocial outcomes and quality of life of adults newly diagnosed with breast cancer in interior British Columbia. Methods: An explorative-descriptive qualitative research design was used. A purposive sampling was used to recruit participants who had received a diagnosis of breast cancer. Interviews were conducted with 28 participants from April 2023 to April 2024. Data were transcribed and analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis in NVivo 14 software. Results: Content analysis revealed three main categories: a) transitional care: need for mentorship, connection and advocacy; b) quality of life: psychological, emotional, and financial distress; and c) interpersonal relationships: body identity, sexuality, and dysmorphia Conclusions: As the population continues to age, insights into psychological outcomes and challenges experienced by newly diagnosed adults with breast cancer are increasingly necessary for evidence-informed knowledge and care recommendations. Healthcare professionals adopting a shared team-based, equity-oriented care approach helps to address social, financial, and physiological needs.
SN - 2673-5059
ER -