Beyond the Cure: Unveiling the Silent Struggles of Breast Cancer Survivors in Hong Kong

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Internationally, breast cancer incidence and survivorship are increasing. As the number of breast cancer survivors continues to rise, so does the demand for supportive care. This study aimed to explore how treatment experiences of breast cancer survivors in Hong Kong (HK) affect their unmet care needs, with a focus on how Chinese culture influences their journey. <b>Methods:</b> This phenomenological qualitative study engaged a purposive sample of 28 breast cancer survivors in HK through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method to interpret their lived experiences. <b>Results:</b> Four key themes emerged: (i) carrying the burden in silence: the isolation of self-preservation; (ii) beyond the clinic: making medical advice fit into everyday routine; (iii) bridging two worlds: resilience through the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Care; and (iv) reclaiming femininity: women helping women heal. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study provides an understanding of breast cancer survivors' experiences and offers insights into delivering more realistic services. Basically, it extends survivorship knowledge by demonstrating how integrating cultural values into clinical care bridges the gap between medical treatment and holistic well-being.

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Publication Details

Journal
Healthcare
Published
2026-03-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14050647
Primary Topic
Cancer survivorship and care
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Beyond the Cure: Unveiling the Silent Struggles of Breast Cancer Survivors in Hong Kong

Ka Man Yip, Zoe Tsui, Alice Yip, Jeff Yip et al.
Healthcare
Cancer survivorship and care
article

Beyond the Cure: Unveiling the Silent Struggles of Breast Cancer Survivors in Hong Kong

Ka Man Yip, Zoe Tsui, Alice Yip, Jeff Yip, Yuen Han Mo, Chun Sze Angela Chan
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Internationally, breast cancer incidence and survivorship are increasing. As the number of breast cancer survivors continues to rise, so does the demand for supportive care. This study aimed to explore how treatment experiences of breast cancer survivors in Hong Kong (HK) affect their unmet care needs, with a focus on how Chinese culture influences their journey. <b>Methods:</b> This phenomenological qualitative study engaged a purposive sample of 28 breast cancer survivors in HK through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method to interpret their lived experiences. <b>Results:</b> Four key themes emerged: (i) carrying the burden in silence: the isolation of self-preservation; (ii) beyond the clinic: making medical advice fit into everyday routine; (iii) bridging two worlds: resilience through the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Care; and (iv) reclaiming femininity: women helping women heal. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study provides an understanding of breast cancer survivors' experiences and offers insights into delivering more realistic services. Basically, it extends survivorship knowledge by demonstrating how integrating cultural values into clinical care bridges the gap between medical treatment and holistic well-being.

HealthcareVol. 14(5)
Hong Kong Shue Yan University (CN)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 33%
Cancer survivorship and care
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