The Social Reality of Meaning Making: The Dichotomy in the Illness Narratives of Women With Breast Cancer and Biomedical Practitioners in Nigeria

BackgroundDespite the increasing burden of breast cancer in the developing world, there is a misunderstanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between culture and cancer, particularly breast cancer. Hence, a dichotomy of illness narratives exists due to differential meaning making concerning breast cancer. While clinicians always recommend biomedical treatment, women with breast cancer often seek alternative treatment pathways.AimsTo explore the experiences of women with breast cancer and clinicians in Nigeria on the dichotomy in the illness narratives.MethodsThis qualitative study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussion to explore the experiences of 22 women with breast cancer and 7 clinicians in Nigeria on the dichotomy in the illness narratives using grounded theory method analysis.ResultsThis study revealed that many women living with breast cancer (WLBC) hold health beliefs that are contradictory to the biomedical norm. They mostly sought treatment based on the perceived aetiology of breast cancer. The treatment pathway follows faith and traditional healing as alternatives or sometimes in combination with biomedicine. WLBC reported a constant fear of biomedical treatment, perceived to be harmful to women's sexuality, fertility and body image. Hence, after perceived treatment failure from alternative care, biomedical care becomes the last resort, usually at an advanced stage of breast cancer, often responsible for poor prognosis.ConclusionThere is a dichotomy of illness construction between sufferers and health practitioners. To guide women with breast cancer on the path of care, modern care practitioners should consider some cultural norms and practices without compromising professional ethos.