Kvinnors upplevda lidande i samband med biverkningar från cytostatikabehandling vid bröstcancer : En litteraturstudie

Sammanfattning: Abstract   Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the one causing most deaths. One common treatment for breastcancer is chemotheraphy that is provided to cure, ease the course of the disease or reducing the risk of recurrence. Many of the side effects from chemotherapy are often severe and are seen in combination with each other, resulting in a suffering for the women.   Aim: The purpose of this literature study was to describe the current knowledge of how women with breast cancer experience suffering from the side effects from chemotherapy. Method: A literature study involving 10 articles with qualitative methodology was used. The databases used to search for articles was PubMed and CINAHL. This study is based on Katie Eriksson theory of care.   Results: The result presented that women experienced suffering. Five categories describing experienced suffering were identified. These categories were: a challenging change of life, visible and non-visible body changes, change in everyday life, change in relationships and social contexts and the importance of healthcare. The women reported that loss of autonomy, a deterioration of self-image, and the change in everyday life and interaction with others resulted in suffering. It was found that inadequate information and support from healthcare professionals occurred and that proper information could have decreased the suffering.   Conclusion: Side effects from chemotherapy cause suffering. Support and information from the healthcare was important to prepare the women for the side effects which could reduce suffering. More research in this area should be performed as it may provide opportunities to find solutions that can alleviate the experienced suffering.