Details of Particulars of Benefit Finding through the Experiences of Breast Cancer Patients Analysis on Breast Cancer Journals Written by Patients

摘要

This study aims to analyze the descriptions in breast cancer journals written by patients and to understand the experience of benefit finding among patients with breast cancer. We selected 22 such breast cancer journals written by patients published after 2000 in Japan. The extracted statements related to benefit finding of patients experiencing breast cancer from the 22 journals were subjected to a qualitative analysis, and the following seven benefit finding elements were extracted: “Gratitude toward others”, “Benefits due to cancer”, “Happiness at living a normal life”, “Realization of and satisfaction with my growth”, “Awareness of the meaning of my existence”, “Hopes for life”, and “Willingness to contribute to others”. These benefit findings suggest that these particulars fulfill cultural, practical, spiritual, and social meanings, and lead to self-revaluation in daily life.