Breast Cancer Survivorship Experiences

Protocol for a Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Hospital Based Cancer Registry of a Tertiary Cancer Centre in Northern Kerala

Abstract

Background: With advancement in early detection and treatment number of breast cancer survivors are on the rise. Long term survivors have in addition to medical problems related to treatment, psychological distress and challenges related to body image, sexuality and stigma. The survivorship issues related to breast cancer are largely under studied in India.

Methods/Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of breast cancer survivors from 2016 Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) of a Tertiary Cancer Centre (TCC). Baseline data will be collected from registry. Quantitative data on present status and issues of survivors will be done by a cross sectional survey. In depth interviews will be done to explore the challenges of survivors and lived experiences of the co- survivors. Documents about cancer will also be reviewed to find out existing guidelines on breast cancer control.

Discussion: Understanding survivorship experiences will help to improve their quality of life and guide health workers and caregivers in providing the much-needed supportive care in their journey throughout the disease.