Recuperating the Lives of Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women, second only to lung cancer. Breast cancer treatment and management is done by mastectomy and lumpectomy. Sometimes, radiotherapy is performed after either of the two operations. Following either of the two operations, the breast cancer survivor experiences scars, changes in body shape and symmetry especially if one or two of the breasts were removed. This tends to reduce the survivor’s sense of appearance as the survivor feels that she does not fit into the societal notions of idealized female figures. The breast cancer survivor therefore lives in seclusion, confined to their abodes in fear of exposure to the world that would resent their image. This paper is premised on the findings of a study that sought to assess the best possible methods of helping breast cancer survivors live quality life by adjusting faster to their previous life schedule. The study objectives were to determine the physical challenges faced by breast cancer survivors, to assess the breast cancer survivors’ awareness needs and counselling strategies for the same, and to develop strategies for improving the lives of breast cancer survivors. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and used purposive sampling to select four cancer treatment hospitals in Kenya - Kenyatta National Hospital, MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital and Aga Khan Hospital. The target population constituted breast cancer survivors discharged from the hospitals at least three months before the study. A total of 272 respondents were captured from their respective hospitals as they returned for check-up, and at the hospices where cancer survivors went for support. Questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Data of all categories was tabulated and descriptive statistics used to analyse quantitative data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The study found that one of the main methods of improving the lives of breast cancer survivors is to provide them with information on how they can improve their body shapes by the use of prosthesis. Their lives can also be improved through financial assistance to purchase new outfits that suit their changed shapes, and by provision of lymphedema sleeve to prevent swellings. This paper, therefore, recommends that cancer treatment hospitals should develop an information bank for providing cancer patients with information regarding the expectation of cancer patients after treatment. In addition, the survivors’ family members could provide financial aid which, in turn, will facilitate the recovery process by purchasing new outfits that fit the new body shape of the survivor. Keywords:Cancer, Survivor, Clothing, Comfort, Concealment, Mastectomy, Lumpectomy