Iranian breast cancer study identifies themes of suffering, uncertainty and adaptation

A qualitative study of 11 Iranian women with breast cancer identified three central themes in their experiences of transitioning from health to illness: engulfment in suffering, metastasis into life, and transitioning through uncertainty and doubt toward regaining self. The findings, summarized in the study abstract, describe how participants encountered emotional distress, an uncertain future, reduced dynamism and fragmented relationships while also reporting adaptation, reclaimed life and hope.

Researchers used a hermeneutic phenomenological design to examine the lived experiences of women at different stages of breast cancer. Participants were 40 to 59 years old, with a mean age of 49.27 years and a standard deviation of 6.72. The sample included women at stages spanning surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and survivorship. Data were collected through semi-structured bedside interviews lasting 20 to 55 minutes.

The analysis followed the method attributed to Diekelmann and colleagues, while the authors said they ensured rigor using the criteria of Lincoln and Guba. Sampling was purposive and used maximum variation, with data collection continuing until saturation. Within the first theme, engulfment in suffering, the abstract reports disquietude following the cancer diagnosis, an uncertain future and an avalanche of calamity. The second theme, metastasis into life, comprised an end to dynamism and fragmentation of relationships. The third theme, transitioning through uncertainty and doubt, included regaining self through reclaiming life, adaptation and clinging to a rope of hope.

The study reports qualitative observations rather than measured effects or clinical outcomes. Its scope was limited to 11 women in Iran, and the abstract does not establish whether the themes represent the experiences of breast cancer patients in other countries, larger populations or all treatment stages. The authors state that understanding the transition from health to illness may help healthcare professionals recognize patients’ needs and provide more comprehensive and compassionate care throughout the disease trajectory. This is a potential application of the findings, not evidence that a specific care intervention has been tested or shown to improve outcomes.

Subject of Research: Qualitative study of Iranian women’s experiences transitioning from health to illness with breast cancer

Article Title: The transition experience of breast cancer patients from health to illness in iran: from engulfment in suffering to passing through uncertainty and doubt – a hermeneutic phenomenological study

Article References: Mardanian Dehkordi, L., Hadian Jazi, Z., Hashemi, N., & Khoshkesht, S. (2026). The transition experience of breast cancer patients from health to illness in iran: from engulfment in suffering to passing through uncertainty and doubt – a hermeneutic phenomenological study. BMC Cancer. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-026-16943-x

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12885-026-16943-x

Keywords: breast cancer, Iran, qualitative research, phenomenology, patient experience, uncertainty, psychological distress, adaptation, social relationships, survivorship, transition, experience