Coping with breast cancer in Ghana: a qualitative study of women’s lived experiences following breast cancer diagnosis

Abstract Objective Breast cancer remains a global concern as the most common diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women. In Sub-Saharan Africa, although breast cancer accounts for the highest burden of mortality in women, there is little documentation on the experience of living with breast cancer. This article explores the lived experiences of a group of Ghanaian women receiving breast cancer treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center in Ghana. Materials and methods The findings presented here, are drawn from a broader mixed methods study on breast cancer and fertility preservation that employed an explanatory sequential design. This article focuses on the qualitative phase of this work. A total of fifteen women were purposively sampled to take part in semi-structured interviews, following their participation in the quantitative phase of the study. The semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Braun and Clarkes analysis framework. Results The diagnosis of breast cancer constituted a pivotal point in the lives of these women. This precipitated an acute focus on survival and triggered a cascade of initial psychological responses, including catastrophic thinking and an overwhelming preoccupation with mortality and worst-case scenarios, eliciting anxiety and sadness. The ramifications of cancer treatment further exacerbated the emotional and physical toll, manifesting in a myriad of challenges, including reproductive health concern, impaired daily functioning, diminished social, occupational, and educational performance. Despite this life-altering circumstance, some participants demonstrated adaptive coping as they navigated the recovery trajectory, utilizing coping strategies largely influenced by personal choice, religious faith, trusted social support networks, and medical expertise. Conclusion The women’s narratives highlight a journey of recovery characterized by initial grief reactions, acceptance, adaptation, and the hope of recovery. Religious beliefs and social connections played vital roles in the recovery process, underscoring the need to incorporate these into existing service delivery care models. Impact statement By amplifying the voices and experiences of women living with breast cancer, we can culturally inform routine services and targeted strategies to enhance support, education, and resources for individuals and communities affected by breast cancer in Ghana.