Exploring the psychosocial morbidity of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer in a post-war setting: experiences of Northern Sri Lankan women

Purpose A breast cancer diagnosis leads to considerable internal conflict and social disruption. Coping with breast cancer may be especially challenging where psychosocial services are not integrated to cancer care. This exploratory descriptive qualitative study delves into breast cancer–associated psychosocial morbidity among women diagnosed with breast cancer at a cancer centre in post-war northern Sri Lanka. Methods Fifteen women with non-metastatic breast cancer and treated with curative intent, who were undergoing or had completed adjuvant chemotherapy, were included in the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed. Results Aside from the immediate effects of chemotherapy, participants grappled with concerns of body image, social stigma, and dependency while straddling anxieties about the fate of their families and expenses on cancer care. Demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience, however, they drew on their families and communities for support in the absence of a formal system of psychosocial care. These women’s narratives shed light on certain universal aspects of the breast cancer experience as well as its specificity in a region devastated by war, where cancer care is delivered with minimal resources. Conclusion The findings underscore the need to invest in integrating psychosocial services to chronic illness care in low- and middle-income settings.