Mental health, quality of life, and life experiences of Ghanaian women living with breast cancer
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The burden of breast cancer may contribute to elevated psychological distress. Conversely, distress may negatively impact the prognosis and recurrence, creating a vicious cycle. Given the lack of literature in Sub-Saharan African, further research is needed to address the high breast cancer fatality rate among women. The study aimed to determine if Ghanaian women with breast cancer were more susceptible to higher psychological distress and lower quality of life when compared to women without breast cancer, and to understand the lived experiences of those with breast cancer. Sixty-four breast cancer patients and 64 controls were recruited to complete the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and WHOQOL-BREF. The life experiences of women living with breast cancer were assessed through semi-structured interviews. Compared to women in the control group, breast cancer patients had higher psychological distress and scored lower on the quality-of-life domains of physical health, psychological well-being, and environment. The lived experiences of the breast cancer patients followed a four-stage journey: suspicion of ill-health, difficulty navigating the health system, impact of breast cancer, and regaining confidence. Breast cancer had affected the women’s daily activities, health, female identity, roles, and responsibilities. However, financial, emotional, and social support, together with coping mechanisms, mitigated the impact of the breast disease. Interventions that address the challenges to psychological well-being, physical health, and environment can positively impact the prognosis of Ghanaian breast cancer patients and enable Ghana to make strides in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
