Abstract PO1-12-01: 'Not even my husband knows that I have this [breast cancer]': Survivors’ Experiences in Accessing, Navigating and Coping with Treatment

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Nigeria has the highest breast cancer (BC) burden in Africa. While the survival rates for BC are over 90% in many high-income countries; low-and middle-income countries like Nigeria have 40% BC survival rates. Prior studies show that the burden and poor BC survival rates are exacerbated by both health system and individual level factors, yet there is a paucity of literature on the experiences of BC survivors in Nigeria. Hence, this study explored BC survivors' divergent and convergent experiences in accessing, navigating, and coping with treatment. Methods: Participants (N=24, aged 35 to 73 years) were recruited and engaged in focus group discussions (Group 1, n = 11; Group 2, n = 13 participants). Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: “I am carrying this [breast cancer] alone”, “Living my life”, “‘God’ helped me”, and “A very painful journey”. Participants described how they concealed their BC diagnosis from family and significant others while accessing and navigating BC treatment. Also, they adopted spiritual beliefs as a coping mechanism while sticking to their treatment and acknowledging the burden of BC on their wellbeing. Conclusions: Our findings point to the urgent need for improved BC treatment facilities in Nigeria. Implications for Breast Cancer Survivors: Nigeria BC survivors are navigating both limited treatment facilities and coping with the personal challenges of BC diagnosis. There is a need for the government and clinicians to explore innovative technologies in improving BC treatment experiences in Nigeria. Citation Format: Runcie C.W. Chidebe, Tochukwu C. Orjiakor, Gloria C. Okwu, Mary-Gloria A. Orji, THEODORA Nwosu-Zita, Agha A. Agha, Simeon C. Aruah, Chika Okem-Akwiwu, Candidus C. Nwakasi, Akwasi Adjei Gyimah, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Ifeoma J. Okoye, Darlingtina K. Esiaka. 'Not even my husband knows that I have this [breast cancer]': Survivors’ Experiences in Accessing, Navigating and Coping with Treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-12-01.