Kennedy, F, Harcourt, D and Rumsey, N (2008) The challenge of being diagnosed and treated for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 12 (2). pp. 103-111. ISSN 1462-3889
Abstract
Following the introduction of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) in the UK increasing numbers of women are diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In DCIS, the cancer cells are confined to the ducts of the breast but considerable uncertainty surrounds the condition. Patients are often reassured that it is non-invasive and not life-threatening but they are recommended similar treatments to patients with invasive breast cancer. Little research has investigated the psychosocial impact of DCIS; therefore the aim of this qualitative study was to explore women's experiences of the condition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 16 women previously diagnosed and treated for DCIS. Thematic analysis identified six key themes: (1) invisibility of DCIS, (2) uncertainty, (3) perceptions of DCIS, (4) acceptance of treatment, (5) social support and (6) moving on. The results highlight the substantial challenges faced by women diagnosed with DCIS. These findings have clear significance for healthcare professionals, especially specialist nurses, who work closely with DCIS patients.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | (c) 2007, Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This is an author produced version of a paper published in the European Journal of Oncology Nursing. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Ductal carcinoma in situ; DCIS; Illness perception; Support; Qualitative |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Medicine (Leeds) > Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP) > Clinical Cancer Research (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 15 Jul 2016 10:08 |
Last Modified: | 20 Jan 2018 17:20 |
Published Version: | http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2007.09.007 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.ejon.2007.09.007 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:95490 |