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Abstract
Purpose
The purposeof the study wasto exploreanddescribe theexperienceof breast cancer self-help group activities in Korea.
Methods
The datawere collected via individual in-depthinterviewswith8 women with breast cancer, whoparticipated in self-help groups during2012~2013. All interviews wereaudio-taped andtranscribed, and they were analyzed using a phenomenological method.
Results
Six theme clusters were identified. “Breakthroughtowardsurvival” describeshow theparticipantsidentifiedself-helpgroupsandgot involvedin the activities. “Genuine comfort obtained by ‘misery loves company’ deals with the emotional relief and catharsis. “Newlifefullyrecharged” demonstratesthechangedbeliefsystemandthejoyfor lifeandliving. “Rebirthinfamily” deals withhow familydynamicshasbeen changed. “Societal changeby raisingcollectiveconsciousness” illus-tratesmanyactivitiestoimprovetheir rightsandadvocateemployment issues. “Obstaclestothe groupharmony” illustrates the major difficulties including interpersonal conflicts the participants encountered during their participation.
Conclusion
Theresultsof thestudy showedthat participatingin self-help groupswasmostlybenefi-cial for women with breast cancer. Therefore, oncology professionals need to encourage them to participate in self-help groups and also need to provide professional support to self-help groups for their harmonious interpersonal relationships.
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Table 1.
Theme Clusters and Themes of the Experience of Self-help Group Activities among Women with Breast Cancer
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