Samuel Ojima Adejoh, PH.D.1 , Adetayo Olorunlana, PH.D.2 and
Adeola Adejayan, B.SC.
1Department of Social Work, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria and 2Department of Sociology and Anthropology,
Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Objective. The objectives of this study are to describe patients’ experiences of family members’
reactions to diagnosis of breast cancer and investigate the role of family support in
the management of breast cancer.
Method. The study used the descriptive qualitative method in data collection and analysis.
Fifteen participants, who were undergoing either radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment
at a private hospital, consented and participated in the study. Data were content analyzed
under two specific themes on family members’ reactions and family support received.
Findings. The findings show that some participants reported negative reactions of some family
members, and this affected them negatively. While some participants received support
from their families, others did not.
Significance of findings. The findings of our study show the critical role of family support in
the management of breast cancer; therefore, family members should be encouraged to give
breast cancer patient the necessary support to help them manage their sick role behavior
since their illness has no cure.
Introduction
At least 100,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed annually in Nigeria before 2007. It is projected
that nearly 17 million Nigerian would be affected by cancer in 2020, with incidence of
90.7/100,000 and 100.9/100,000 and the death rate of 72.7/100,000 and 76.0/100,000 in men
and women, respectively (WHO, 2008). Adejoh and Olorunlana (2016) noted that managing
breast cancer in Nigeria has been problematic, but little is known about patients’ experiences
of family members’ reactions to diagnosis of breast cancer and the role of family support in the
management of breast cancer. Studies have documented the experiences of partners of women
diagnosed with breast cancer. For example, Segrin and Badger (2013) demonstrated how
spousal support has been beneficial for psychological well-being of Latinos diagnosed with
cancer. Another study shows that many partners report significant psychological distress
(Snyder and Pearse, 2010). Some other studies specifically highlighted hypochondria, moodiness,
low energy, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, and difficulty focusing
on occupational responsibilities as possible distress experienced by partners of breast
cancer patients (Sheridan et al., 2010; Sherman et al., 2010; Sprung et al., 2011).
Other studies identified the consequences of diagnosis of breast cancer in a woman, within
the family. These include disruption in the daily family routine and decreased access to the
mother, which can lead to increased stress and conflict among family members (Lewis et al.,
2008; Forrest et al., 2009; Yang and Schuler, 2009; Sheridan et al., 2010; Sherman et al., 2010;
Snyder and Pearse, 2010; Tunin et al., 2010; Oktay et al., 2011). Another study identified firstdegree
relatives to be at risk of difficult adjustment to breast cancer diagnosis because they are the
most likely to experience role changes, be called on to provide emotional support to the patient,
and be confronted with familial predisposition to the disease if one is found (Tunin et al., 2010).
Similarly, studies have identified risk factors for increased family difficulty with adjustment
to maternal breast cancer to include limited social support, a high level of stress unrelated to
breast cancer, a lack of optimism or hope of a successful recovery, and ineffective coping strategies
(Yang and Schuler, 2009; Sheridan et al., 2010). Positive family functioning and patient’s
increased ability to cope with stress are strong predictors of easier family adjustment during
treatment and recovery (Mokuau et al., 2012).