Abstract
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the change in self concept of patients with breast cancer, and nursing intervention focused on this change. The interview method and participant observation were used to assess the self concept and its change in 8 patients during hospitalization and 3 months after discharge. The data were analyzed by an original method based on qualitative data analysis of ethno-nursing.
The results indicated the change in self concept of participants meant they were shaken by their experience; they felt they and other patients with breast cancer influence each other; they wanted to defend themselves against others; they not only wanted to live for other people but for themselves as well as from now on; and they thought they could live by themselves as they were. These results suggest that the patients with breast cancer may struggle to regain their self respect and form a new sense of values while they are in a condition of low self-esteem. Key strategies used by the nurse to support patients include: facilitating decision-making by patients, their self respect, personal relationships, and acceptance of reality.
