Reclaiming self and family: A phenomenological exploration of the unmet needs and lived experiences of breast cancer survivors in Hong Kong

Background: Despite improved survival rates, breast cancer often faces significant post-treatment challenges that affect their quality of life. This study aims to explore the lived experiences and impacts of unmet needs among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Hong Kong.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was employed. 15 Participants were recruited via purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of the survivor population. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological thematic analysis to extract core meanings.

Results: The analysis revealed three distinct themes regarding the survivors’ unmet needs: (1) significant challenges in emotional and psychological adaptation post-diagnosis; (2) persistent struggles with engaging in physical activities accompanied by a deficit in specific health information; and (3) the complexities of re-establishing family relationships and roles within the cultural context of Chinese communities.

Impacts: These results provide healthcare professionals with a detailed understanding of the multifaceted struggles survivors face. The study highlights the urgent need for developing advanced nursing competencies and tailoring patient-centred interventions to enhance the overall quality of care and support systems.

Conclusion: Integrating the patient’s voice and experience into service design and professional development is paramount. To optimize survivorship outcomes, healthcare systems must encourage patient-derived strategies that address the complex physical, psychological, and informational needs of breast cancer patients in Hong Kong.