Lived experiences of breast cancer survivors, family caregivers and clinicians’ perspectives of service provision in Nigeria: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

This study documented the lived experiences of breast cancer survivors, family caregivers and clinicians’perspectives of service provision from an interpretative phenomenological analytical lens. A purposivesampling technique was employed to recruit participants from the outpatient oncology clinics of JosUniversity Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Nigeria, using a qualitative approach. Eight breast cancer survivorsparticipated in a focus group discussion. Four in-depth interviews were conducted among breast cancersurvivors, two interviews were conducted among oncologists, and two interviews were conducted amongfamily caregivers. The study finds that hopelessness and suicidal ideation thoughts were prevalent amongbreast cancer survivors alongside informal help-seeking behaviour. Lack of psychosocial support, strongreligious beliefs and faith in traditional healers as coping strategies were reported among breast cancersurvivors. Barriers to effective cancer treatment in Nigeria were cultural and religious beliefs. The studyrecommends culturally appropriate psychosocial support for patients affected by breast cancer.