Living Beyond Mastectomy: Exploring Coping Mechanisms Adopted by Breast Cancer Survivors in Mysuru

Introduction: Improved cancer therapies have substantially increased survival, shifting the burden towards survival-related morbidity, which has emerged as a major public health-related concern. This highlights the need for comprehensive multidisciplinary care addressing long-term morbidity. Breast cancer survivors often face profound physical, emotional, and social challenges after mastectomy, including altered body image, functional limitations, and fear of recurrence. While clinical management addresses physical recovery, understanding survivors’ coping mechanisms is essential for holistic rehabilitation. Thus, the study aimed to explore the mechanisms adopted by breast cancer survivors in overcoming the challenges faced after mastectomy. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among 66 breast cancer survivors. Patients were recruited from a private medical college and a specialised cancer care hospital in Mysuru through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted with a semi-structured questionnaire at hospitals during their follow-up visits. Grounded theory was employed to analyse the data through an inductive thematic analysis. Results: Through the thematic analysis, five coping mechanisms such as collaborative support, self-distraction, cognitive acceptance, reviewing goals and priorities, and self-empowerment were found as coping mechanisms practised. Respective sub-themes were also derived which gave deep insights into the coping mechanisms being practised by survivors. Conclusion: Being vulnerable in society and being diseased in the body affects the quality of life of women. Effective coping mechanisms help ease stressful situations with utmost courage and strength. These mechanisms motivate them to carry out important roles in families and communities.