Managing Breast Cancer: Echoes from Patients in Lagos, Nigeria.

Breast cancer is ranked second as the cause of cancer death among women. Of importance to the management of breast cancer is the interaction processes between the patients and their professional caregivers or healthcare providers. Against this background, this study explores the experiences of Nigerian women as breast cancer patients and their interaction with their caregivers in the management of their condition. The study was cross-sectional in design. Twenty diagnosed breast cancer patients participated in the study and were purposively selected using convenience and snow balling sampling technique. Patients affirmed that they were initially afraid when diagnosed but overcame their fear based on caregivers' supports. Physical interactions and the use of mobile phones were common means of communication while the fear of death and financial burden of the disease were of major concerns to the patients. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the quality of care and treatment received in the private hospitals as they were encouraged and supported. It was discovered that professional caregivers are germane to patients' survival from shock and adequate information on how to manage their condition and live a normal life.