How Breast Care Nurses Alleviate Suffering among Breast Cancer Patients – A Qualitative Analysis

Alleviation of suffering is a key characteristic of breast care nurses’ (BCNs). This study proposes a conceptual framework based on statements of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Responses’ answers underwent textual content analysis, which identifies three dimensions of content relevant to the women’s suffering: Physical, perceived as a “war” on cancer; cognitive, focusing as chaotic and emotional, reflecting the women’s sense fragility. Professional intervention was shown to respond to all three dimensions. The coping methods that patients practiced after experiencing professional intervention address these dimensions as well: Physical—the women claimed to have “fought” the illness successfully and have even accepted and reconciled with the “foreign invader”; cognitive—achieving clarity and restoring order; emotional—displaying optimism, confidence and hope. The findings show that BCNs address women’s physical, cognitive and emotional suffering holistically. Bearing this observation in mind, the present study maintains that BCNs manifest the optimal approach to patients’ suffering