Author(s)

Aisha Awad Elbalola Hasona

School of Psychology, Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman, Sudan.

Diagnosis of breast cancer leads to psychological problems for women, and affects their relationship with children. Aim: This study aims to identify the psychological problems, women with breast cancer face and examine how they affect their relationships with their children. Method: A qualitative method was used; data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment at the Radiation and Isotopes Center of Khartoum (RICK), Sudan. Depression and anxiety were assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The data were analyzed using cross-case interview analysis. Results: The study findings indicated that many Sudanese women with breast cancer suffered from depression after diagnosis; they were also pressured to hide their feelings from their children, became overprotective, and feared passing on the disease to their daughters. Conclusion: In addition to being aware and concerned about having breast cancer, breast cancer patients experience several psychological side effects. Having the fear of transmitting the disease to their daughters, being terrified of dying, and being pressured to tell their children about their conditions are all issues they face.

Breast Cancer, Maternal Relation, Sudanese Women, Psychological

Hasona, A.A.E. (2022) Sudanese Women’s Psychological Reactions to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and the Impact on Their Maternal-Child Relationship. Open Access Library Journal, 9, 1-11. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1109058.