Family facing breast cancer diagnosis under the woman's viewpoint

Objective: The study's goal has been to gain further understanding about the role and perception of the family before the diagnosis of breast cancer under the woman's viewpoint. Methods: It is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, which was carried out in the oncology clinic from a university hospital. The study has had 11 participating women that were diagnosed bearing breast cancer and also within the age group from 43 to 58 years old. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews in the period from May to July 2015. The data were analyzed and interpreted according to content analysis. Results: After the analysis three categories emerged, as follows: the breast cancer diagnosis impact; companion in the diagnosis; the family as the principal support source. Conclusion: Considering the woman's viewpoint, the cancer appearance had great impact to her family, and also provoked countless feelings. Nonetheless, the family involvement provided proved to be a source of support and comfort from the follow-up to receiving the diagnosis.