Document Type
Article
Journal Title
Journal of nursing scholarship : an official publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing / Sigma Theta Tau
Publication Date
9-2011
Volume
43
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe African American women's experience of being at high risk for breast cancer.
DESIGN: A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to guide in-depth interviews and analysis. Methods to ensure trustworthiness and rigor were included.
METHODS: Open interviews were conducted with 20 African American women who were at high risk for breast cancer (family history, personal history, genetic mutation). They were recruited from a cancer risk clinic and community-based settings. Data were transcribed verbatim, and themes were labeled among and between all interviews.
FINDINGS: Five themes were identified: (a) life-changing experience; (b) relationships: fears, support, and concerns; (c) the healthcare experience; (d) raising awareness; and (e) strong faith.
CONCLUSIONS: Young women at high risk for breast cancer have unique emotional and support needs that are shaped by stage in life, relationships with significant others, their faith, and interactions with the healthcare delivery system.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Breast cancer does occur in young women. This highlights the need for timely and sensitive approaches to care when young women present with breast health concerns or abnormal breast findings.
MeSH Headings
Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, African Americans, Age Factors, Breast Neoplasms, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Life Change Events, Physician-Patient Relations, Qualitative Research, Religion and Psychology, Risk Assessment, Young Adult
DOI Link
ISSN
1547-5069
Rights
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Phillips, J. & Cohen, MZ. The Meaning of Breast Cancer Risk for African American Women. J Nurs Scholarsh. Sep 2011; 43(3): 239–247, which has been published in final form at 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2011.01399.x. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Recommended Citation
Phillips, Janice and Cohen, Marlene Z., "The meaning of breast cancer risk for African American women." (2011). Journal Articles: College of Nursing. 2.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/con_articles/2