Wynter, Eloise
(2023)
Female breast cancer in the UK: Understanding the process of familial disclosure and considering hair loss experiences.
Doctor of Clinical Psychology thesis, University of Liverpool.
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Abstract
This thesis explores women’s experiences of breast cancer in the UK. The first chapter of the thesis is an empirical paper exploring the experiences of younger women of colour who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy for breast cancer. Hair loss can change a woman’s sense of identity and self, impacting mood and wellbeing. This may be considered within the context of social identity theory. Management of hair loss may be influenced by age, heritage and societal norms resulting in varying narratives around hair. When hair loss occurs it is important that women receive appropriate support. Due to varying health inequalities, women of colour are less likely to receive equity in healthcare from physical healthcare services, including in relation to breast cancer. This may extend to support offered to manage the impact of treatment, including hair loss. Chapter one captures experiences of women’s journey of hair loss, within the context of having a breast cancer diagnosis as a younger woman of colour. The term ‘women of colour’ was used following consultation with experts by experience, but also to promote inclusivity. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore and analyse data. The systematic review question was directly generated from the empirical paper, after participants shared their concerns and experiences of disease disclosure and what informed the decisions they made regarding disclosure. Some participants chose to share their diagnosis very openly with their loved ones, whilst others did not feel comfortable to do so and shared their reasons for doing this. This prompted chapter 2, a systematic review exploring experiences of women in the UK when sharing their diagnosis of breast cancer with their families. The systematic review followed ‘The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research’ (ENTREQ) statement. It was important this the present review specifically focused on the UK context for appropriate recommendations to be made. Included studies explored the experiences of adult women communicating their breast cancer diagnosis to family members, and the experiences of family members hearing about the diagnosis and managing its impact. Familial perspectives included the experiences of children and spouses. One study focussed on the experiences of women sharing both their diagnoses of breast cancer and their BRCA gene status. The results were analysed using thematic analysis and reported using a narrative summary. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctor of Clinical Psychology) |
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| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Oct 2023 09:46 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Oct 2023 09:47 |
| DOI: | 10.17638/03172675 |
| Supervisors: |
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| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3172675 |
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