Chapter I

Problem and Its Background

Rationale

A person diagnosed with breast cancer encounters big problem in facing their

lifestyle, decision making about therapies, especially in financial support. A diagnosis of

breast cancer marks the beginning of a journey full of emotional, psychological, physical

and practical challenges. Challenges can relate to the shock of a cancer diagnosis and

fears about the future. More specifically, emotional problems may include concerns about

body image after treatment or periods of anxiety or worse depression . It’s not always

easy, but over time, most women find that they are able to cope with the changes caused

by their diagnosis and return to the things that are important to them. (Australian Cancer

2019).

According to American Cancer Society (2017), Breast cancer starts when cells in

the breast begin to grow out of control. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry

milk to the nipple (ductal cancers). These cells usually form a tumor that can often be

seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancer) if the cells can grow

into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body.

Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is

usually an area of thickened tissue in the breast, or a lump in the breast or in an armpit.

There are several types of breast cancer which can develop in different parts of the breast.

Breast cancer is often divided into invasive and non vasive types. About one

women are being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Being diagnosed
 2

with breast cancer can affect daily life of women in many ways depending on the stage of

breast cancer and treatment.( Christian Nordavist (2018).

In the survey conducted by U.S Breast Cancer they estimated About 1 in 8 U.S.

women (about twelve point four percent) will develop invasive breast cancer over the

course of her lifetime. In 2018, an estimated two hundred sixty-six and one hundred

twenty new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the

U.S., along with sixty-three thousand and nine hundred sixty new cases of non-invasive

(in situ).Breast cancer. breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among

American women.

Moreover, according to Philippine society of medical oncology, in the Philippines

has been identified as among the having the highest incidence rate of breast cancer in

Asia. Since breast cancer is so common in the Philippines that one in every thirteen

Filipinas is expected to develop it in her lifetime. Among the risk factors for breast cancer

are: being overweight, having no children at the age of thirty, having a family history of

breast cancer, drinking excessive alcohol, and having early menstruation and later

menopause, among others.

Women with breast cancer encounter many psychosocial stresses as well as

physical problems. They have to change their lifestyle following a long period of

treatment, and this may well influence their quality life. Their everyday life is full of

stress and worry regarding their family or sexual roles in addition to the feeling of

uncertainties about their future life in terms of their general functionality status.
 3

The purpose of this is to find out the lived experiences of person diagnosed with

breast cancer on how they survived in physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects.

Also, to know how the respondents manage their expenses in terms of medicine and

therapies. This study focus on how breast cancer patients or survivors faced the different

struggles in their journey.

The number of deaths from cancer continues to increase each year. Breast Cancer

is a disease has touched every family at least once. It is a disease that can kill you in a

matter of years or months.

The objective of this study is to know the lived experiences encountered by the

person diagnosed with breast cancer. Also to determine the stress that cancer causes to

them in their journey and the strategies they will use in coping with breast cancer.

The researchers choose this study to learn the look after the respondents

perspective in life after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, how did they deal with their

everyday life and what they can impart to the community about the disease Breast

Cancer.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the behavior and experiences of person diagnosed with

breast cancer. Specially, it sought to answer the following question:

1. How do respondents describe their lived experiences when diagnosed with cancer

2. How do the cancer patients explain the stress that cancer causes them?
 4

3. What are the strategies to overcome the stress?

4. What is the implication of this study to the society?

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study would serve its purpose to benefit the following people through

providing vital information:

To the Patients suffering from Breast Cancer. This study may serve as guide and an

inspiration or motivation as well. For themselves to still believe on their selves, to uphold

and keep on faith, hope and love.

To the Doctors. This would help the Doctors as one who motivates the patients by

knowing their perception with their behavior of their patients. This would help them to

understand efficiently the conditions of their patients.

To the Family and Friends. This will contribute to give the assistance and support. And

to be sensitive enough about the patient’s condition and feelings.

To the Future Researchers. This study will help and guide them in their research works

especially in health or medical field.

Scope and Limitations of the study

This study entitled “Lived experiences of person diagnosed with breast cancer” will

cover the different day to day life experiences and of selected respondents in
 5

Capas,Tarlac. Determining the feelings and thoughts regarding stress and its implication

to the society will also be included.

Patients of different types of cancer will be delimited from the study.

Definition of Terms

To facilitate clarity and understanding the following terms are defined theoretically.

Anxiety. Psychiatry said anxiety is a nervous disorder characterized by a state of

excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic

attacks. (Oxford Dictionaries)

Breast Cancer. Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast. The most common type of

breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the milk ducts (thin tubes

that carry milk from the lobules of the breast to the nipple). Another type of breast cancer

is lobular carcinoma, which begins in the lobules (milk glands) of the breast.(NCI

Dictionary of cancer terms)

Diagnosis. The process of identifying a disease based on a person's signs and symptoms,

which may be gleaned from a simple physical examination or require a ancillary testing,

lab work and imaging studies etc (Medical Center. 2012 Farlex,Inc.)
 6

Chapter II
Review of Related Literature and Studies

This literature review will provide an important related information to the study

such as person diagnosed with breast cancer, understanding breast cancer, reactions of a

person diagnosed with breast cancer to their condition, and coping strategies used by

women diagnosed with breast cancer .It also highlights the lived experiences of person

diagnosed with breast cancer

Foreign Literature
Although there is not a universal definition of breast cancer, the American

Cancer Society (2011) described cancer as “a group of diseases that cause cells in the

body to change and grow out of control” .Eventually, most types of cancer cells will form

a lump or tumor. The tumor is named after the part of the body where the tumor is

formed. Breast tissue is made up of glands or lobules to produce milk, and ducts which

connect the lobules to the nipple. Other parts of the breast include fatty, connective, and

lymphatic tissue (American Cancer Society, 2011)

According to (Keitel & Kopala, 2000),all women are at risk for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. American women have the

highest rates of breast cancer in the world, and it is the second leading cause of death in

women in the United States overall. Breast cancer can affect women of all racial/ethnic

groups, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and religious affiliations.

However, some evidence suggests that survival rates differ by race.

 7

Although the disease is most common in Caucasian women, it occurs more

frequently in African American women. In addition, African American women are more

likely to die from breast cancer (Keitel & Kopala, 2000). According to the American

Cancer Society (2011), the five-year survival rate for breast cancer among African

American women is 77%, as compared to 90% among Caucasian women.

Many factors are associated with developing breast cancer. According to the

American Cancer Society (2011), the most common risk factors may include family

history, age, racial or ethnic background, genetic changes, and reproductive history.

Suspected risk factors include alcohol intake, obesity, and lack of exercise.

There are typically no symptoms of breast cancer when the tumor is small and most

treatable. One of the most common physical signs of breast cancer is a painless lump.

Less common signs and symptoms swelling; warmth, redness, or darkening; change in

the size of shape of the breast; dimpling or puckering of the skin; itchy, scaly sore or rash

on the nipple; pulling in of the nipple or other parts; nipple discharge that starts suddenly;

or new pain in one spot that does not go away (American Cancer Society, 2011). The

American Cancer Society recommends that any persistent change or abnormality in the

breast should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. In addition, it is extremely

important for women to follow recommended screening guidelines before symptoms

develop and get worse (American Cancer Society, 2011).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2003),

mammography, breast self-examination (BSE), and clinical breast examinations (CBE)

by a medical practitioner frequently are identified as the three primary ways to screen for

breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting
 8

at age 40 and continuing as long as a woman is in good health. For women in their 20s

and 30s, clinical breast examinations are recommended every three years. According to

the American Cancer Society (2011), women in their 20s should be educated on the

benefits and limitations of BSE and should be aware of how

their breasts feel normally and immediately report any concerns and/or changes to their

health care provider.

Treatment may include surgery, drugs (hormonal therapy and chemotherapy),

radiation, and/or immunotherapy. Surgical removal of the tumor provides the single

largest benefit, with surgery alone being capable of producing a cure in many cases. To

somewhat increase the likelihood of long-term disease-free survival, several

chemotherapy regimens commonly are included in addition to surgery. Most forms of

chemotherapy kill cells that are dividing rapidly anywhere in the body, and as a result

cause temporary hair loss and digestive disturbances. (Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, 2005).

According to Mohammed et al (2014) Diagnosis of breast cancer can be

devastating and can trigger several adverse reactions for the majority of women. Many

women, can develop symptoms of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression,

fatigue, pain, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, sexuality concerns, and self-

blame.7-11 Thus, women with breast cancer tend to adopt several strategies to cope with

the diagnosis and redefine themselves and their lives accordingly. They usually turn

towards positive cognitive restructuring, wishful thinking, yoga, physical exercise, and

religious-practice.
 9

Thomas (2006) emphasizes how contradict- tory messages that the breast cancer

women receive from society, both voiced and unvoiced, can have a long-term effect on

how they perceive their bodies. These messages can positively or negatively influence

their feelings and emotions.

In women, the loss of the symbols of femininity can result in low self-esteem,

negative body image, false self-perception, social isolation and the development of

communication or relationship problems with family members or friends.13,14 As a

result of the side effects of cancer treatments, some women may develop "cancer stigma"

from losing their feminine physical characteristics through hair loss (secondary to

chemotherapy) or the loss of one or both breasts (following mastectomy).(Mohammed et

al 2014)

In addition, the psychosocial stress and the physical burden of the disease may

further reduce the patients’ opportunities in life and increase social rejection and

isolation. Thus, their level of emotional well-being is decreased along with poor health

outcomes. (Mohammed et al 2014)

According to Susan (2014) Coping with breast cancer requires time, acceptance, a

fighting spirit and support. Many people also find strength in their spirituality and faith.

Having a Positive Attitude (Landmark and Wahl, 2002),found that a tenacious

fight for life arose as an important aspect of living with newly diagnosed breast cancer.

Maintaining a fighting spirit and possessing a continual sense of hope to cope with the

illness trajectory is essential to survival among women diagnosed with breast cancer

(Landmark & Strandmark, 2001). For many of these women, family members are
 10

dependent on them, which contributes to their motivation to get better and stay focused

on survival. In addition, helping others may help to increase a positive attitude and frame

of mind. Several women reported that having a positive attitude and being around

positive family and friends helped them to cope better with their breast cancer diagnosis

(Henderson et al., 2003).

Newly diagnosed women may benefit from support groups by interacting in a

social environment with their peers, by asking questions, and by resolving issues

surrounding a new diagnosis (Coward & Kahn, 2005). Other issues that may emerge for

newly diagnosed women include relationships with professionals, family issues, and

other social supports or networks. Coward and Kahn (2005) indicated that support groups

can positively affect the healing process as women gain knowledge and opportunities for

emotional expression in a safe environment.

Bcheraoui et al. (2015a). Although detecting breast cancer remains an individual

reasonability, women need to raise their voices and be empowered. This could not be

done without collaboration between the MoH presenters, religious leaders, researchers,

and activists, such as Dr. Samiah Almoudi, who was the first Saudi woman to speak in

public about their experience with breast cancer.

With these experiences of person diagnosed with cancer reveals the different

reactions like: anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, difficulty concentrating, social isolation,

sexuality concerns, and self-blame. In result, this affects to the psychological and

psychosocial of the breast cancer diagnosis. It also presents the coping strategies to the

breast cancer diagnosis about their condition.

 11

Foreign Studies

Many women diagnosed with breast cancer experience a range of emotions. They

may experience severe emotional distress, major depression, post-traumatic stress

disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder (American Cancer Society, 2011). Effective

mental health treatments for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer include individual

counselling, existential counselling, and breast cancer support groups. These types of

treatments may provide emotional and social support, coping strategies, financial and

informational resources, and treatment options for women who are newly diagnosed, or

for those who have been diagnosed for years.

Landmark & Wahl (2002), who found that loss of a breast and the consequent

physical changes, affected the identity of the women. Additionally, losing the support of

significant others such as their spouse (in this study) and their partner (in Land- mark and

Wahl’s 2002 findings) was another issue that was narrated by the breast cancer women.

The themes uncertainty and living with fear captured in this study were similar to those

of Browall et al. (2006), who identified that breast cancer women experience fear of

uncertainties as well as constant worry during the period of chemotherapy.

According to the woman, their prior knowledge and understanding of breast

health helped them identify changes in their breast and to seek early medical treatment.

Stage at diagnosis and treatment options was another factor which impacted the women's

recovery process. The body changes experienced by the women were a challenge for

them during treatment. The hair loss was the aspect of treatment that disturbed them the

most and negatively affecting their self-esteem.

 12

A woman described their journey with the disease process as a non‐stop fight

against cancer. They described cancer as a ‘cut in their lives' that they had to deal with. In

spite of the differences in the stage at diagnosis. They portrayed their experiences as

‘perpetual discomfort’ and ‘frustration’ with their daily lives (Faustine et al (2015).

In Browall et al.’s (2006) qualitative study that found the women with breast

cancer who are in chemotherapy phase, experience two contradictory set of feelings;

negative (such as the fear of uncertainties) and positive (such as receiving support from

significant others) (Browall et al. 2006).

In a Saudi-based study, 189 (24.7%) women justified not going for mammogram

screenings because they do not have any health problems and did not think it was

important when they answered an internet questionnaire assessing their knowledge and

attitude towards breast cancer (Abdallah et al. 2015). In the context of a conservative

culture, Saudi women feel shy and do not wish to be examined by a male healthcare

provider.

According to Al-Amoudi and Abduljabbar (2012) believe that Saudi Arabian

women diagnosed with breast cancer may not be able to function and perform their duties

as well as before receiving the diagnosis. Instead they were thought to become more

dependent on their husbands who could eventually have them sent away or divorce them.

According to Landmark and Strandmark (2001), health care

professionals should increase their awareness of existential aspects connected to “The

Will to Live” in order to better assist women diagnosed with breast cancer and their

families with effective coping strategies. For many women with children, the idea of
 13

dying may be especially difficult as they may begin to think of how their children will

adjust without them being there or of not being around to see them graduate high school

or get married.

Thomas (2006) conducted a qualitative study to explore women’s memories and

feelings concerning their breast and breast cancer screening behaviours. Twelve African

American black women shared their experiences with breast cancer, which generated

narratives and individual interviews. Silent and societal contraindications were the two

main themes that emerged from these women’s stories. This finding emphasizes the

important role of social reflection on the breast cancer women’s self- perception and

feelings (Thomas 2006

Also, Taleghani et al. (2006) conducted a qualitative research in Iran to find how

the women cope with breast cancer. That was a valuable piece of the work, but still the

meaning of living with breast cancer for the women was ambiguous.

Based on the related studies, it reveals that women diagnosed with breast cancer

experienced major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It will affect the

relationship of person diagnosed with breast cancer and her spouse. However, through

knowledge and understanding of the breast cancer diagnosed about their condition helps

them to cope up with treatment.

Local Literature

According to ICanServe has discovered that for most women, some of their

biggest fears include not knowing whether or not they can afford treatment, if their

family will support them, and in some cases, how their husbands will react. In one case,
 14

when the team conducted free breast examinations at a barangay, they were shocked at

how a woman hadn’t felt the pain from a big lump in one of her breasts.

Filipino American women preferred having female and familiar healthcare

providers perform cancer screening. They also appreciated support from their signifi cant

others, which motivated them to get screened regularly.( Tsu-Yin Wu, PhD, RN, and

Joanna Bancroft, BSN, RN)

Moreover, Healthcare providers should understand Filipino American women’s

experiences and beliefs regarding breast cancer screening to reduce the disparities of

breast cancer screening and promote early detection.( Tsu-Yin Wu, PhD, RN)

In addition, Tu, Taplin, Barlow, and Boyko (1999) found that breast cancer

screening programs are less successful and underused by ethnic communities. Therefore,

to develop effective interventions to reduce healthcare disparities among various ethnic

groups, healthcare professionals must recognize the specific cultural beliefs and values

and different health needs of each group.

Philippine Culture’s unspoken traditions and beliefs caused some of the women to

feel uncomfortable with touching or exposing their bodies or talking about their breasts.(

Tsu-Yin Wu, PhD, RN 2006)

Family members who are employed in the medical profession play an important

role in helping their families to deal with health issues. The support of significant others

such as spouses and healthcare providers was fundamental to women’s participation in

screening activities.
 15

Breast Cancer is so common in the Philippines that one in every thirteen Filipinas

is expected to develop in her lifetime. Moreover, the Philippines has been identified as

among the having the highest incidence rate of breast cancer in Asia. Among the risk

factors for breast cancer are: being overweight, having no children at the age of 30,

having a family history of breast cancer, drinking excessive alcohol, and having early

menstruation and later menopause, among others. "The greatest risk of getting breast

cancer tomorrow is being born today in a developing country. The greatest risk of not

surviving breast cancer today is being a woman in the Philippines." (Rosa Francia-

Meneses, 1999 World Conference on Breast Cancer, Ottawa) Health care professionals

are able to be predict a patient’s survival rate based on the determined stage of breast

cancer. Which means, Breast Cancer is curable, to reduce the disparities of breast cancer

screening and promote early detection. But, there is no guaranteed cure for breast cancer.

Breast cancer can return at any time, even years after diagnosis and treatment.

Local Study

According to the conducted reasearch by AHMC reveals,Both the Department of

Health (DOH) and the Philippine Cancer Society Inc. (PCSI) consider breast cancer as

the most common form of cancer in the country—particularly among women. One out of

every thirteen Filipino women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

Women with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk of the disease,

but no study has been large enough to characterise reliably how, over women's lives, this

risk is influenced by particular familial patterns of breast cancer. (Lancet 2001)

 16

Breast cancer among Filipino patients indicated that economic factors, non-

awareness of the gravity of breast cancer and fear of being diagnosed with cancer may be

reasons for late diagnosis. Reasons such as fear, no money for

transport/treatment/medical expenses, indifference, no time, non-awareness of gravity of

the disease and spiritual fatalistic attitudes were commonly given.(Corazon A. Ngelangel

and Edward H. M. Wang 2002)

According to Paola pisani et.al that most breast cancer cases in the Philippines

present at advanced stages and have an unfavourable outcome. Although CBE undertaken

by health workers seems to offer a cost‐effective approach to reducing mortality, the

sensitivity of the screening programme in the real context was low. Moreover, in this

relatively well‐educated population, cultural and logistic barriers to seeking diagnosis and

treatment persist and need to be addressed before any screening programme is

introduced.

In addition, the sensitivity of CBE carried out by trained but inexperienced

personnel is low. Yet, early diagnosis remains a high priority to improve the lamentable

stage distribution that leads to premature death of a large number of cases.

The decision not to undergo investigation was a positive one in most instances,

and not related to logistical or financial barriers. It is known that patient's decision

making is not always apparently rational. Misinformation, denial, overconfidence,

distrust and confusion may all play a role.(Paola pisani et al)

Breast Cancer survivorship in adults is a process beginning at diagnosis and

involving uncertainty. It is a life-changing experience with a duality of positive and

 17

negative aspects, and is unique to the individual but has some universality. The primary

antecedent is a cancer diagnosis and the consequences can be divided into four main

themes: physical health, psychological health, social health and spiritual health.(J Adv

Nurs. 2008)

Breast Cancer survivorship in adults is a process beginning at diagnosis and

involving uncertainty. It is a life-changing experience with a duality of positive and

negative aspects, and is unique to the individual but has some universality. The primary

antecedent is a cancer diagnosis and the consequences can be divided into four main

themes: physical health, psychological health, social health and spiritual health.(J Adv

Nurs. 2008)

Through the conducted Philippine studies of person diagnosed with breast cancer

find out the reasons for late diagnosis such as fear, no money

fortreatment/transport/medical expenses,and no awareness of gravity. It effect the

continues growth of the tumor and the number of the breast cancer patients will become

bigger.
 18

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This study aims to explain the flow of the “Lived experiences of persons

diagnosed with brest cancer “

The Lived experiences of persons diagnosed

with breast cancer

Input Process Output

1. The lived experiences

of person when
diagnosed with breast
cancer.
2. The cancer patients
Semi-structured
explain the stress that Implication to the
cancer causes them. interview will be used
society.
in a natural setting
3. The strategies to where the respondents
overcome the stress. are.
4. Implication of this
study to the society.

Figure 1. Paradigm study

 19

Chapter III

Methods of Research and Procedure

This chapter presents and describes the research design, sampling design, locale

and population of the study, and data gathering technique.

Research Design
The study will utilize the Phenomenology design of research under the qualitative

research design to describe the lived experiences of person diagnosed with breast cancer

among the selected citizens of Capas, Tarlac.

According to Creswell (2013), Phenomenology research is an approach to

qualitative research that focuses on the commonality of a lived experience within a

particular group. The fundamental goal of the approach is to arrive at a description of the

nature of the particular phenomenon.

Sampling Design
The researchers will be use non-probability sampling, which is purposive

sampling where the researchers have a purpose in choosing the respondents, who are

especially capable in answering the research questions, so that the data will be used

efficiently and effectively. The respondents were selected based on the researchers’

judgment of who could be the best in answering the specific questions of the research.

This type of sampling can be very useful in situations when you need to reach a

targeted sample quickly, and where sampling for proportionality is not the main concern.
 20

Locale and Population of the Study

The study will be conducted in the Municipality of Capas, Tarlac. There will be

four (4) Breast Cancer Patients who will be participating in the study. The researchers

will use naturalistic approach where the interview will take place in a natural setting.

Therefore, respondents will be interviewed in their houses or any comfortable place that

the respondent will choose to.

Data Gathering Procedure

In this study, the researchers will use semi-structured and unstructured interview

which are used when the researchers have a list of broad questions that must be addressed

in the interview. For the purposes of this research, in depth interviews were used.

In depth interviews are personal and unstructured interviews, whose aim is to

identify participant’s emotions, feelings, and opinions regarding a particular

research subject. The main advantage of personal interviews is that they involve

personal and direct contact between interviewers and interviewees, as well as eliminate

non-response rates, but interviewers need to have developed the necessary skills to

successfully carry an interview.

Each respondents and researchers must need to agree on signing the consent letter

for the researchers to be allowed to interview the participants. The purpose of each letter

was to assure the confidentiality beyond participating on the research project at any

reason.
 21

Ethnical Consideration

The respondents and the researchers must sign in the consent letter not only to

allow the researchers to gather information from the respondents but also to assure the

respondents that all the information that will be gathered will keep with atmost

confidentiality and will only be used in this study.

Instruments

The researchers will be use face-to-face interview in gathering data and

information of the lived experiences of persons diagnosed with breast cancer.The

interview will be guided by a questionnaire and audio recording tape will be use in

interpreting the information gathered.

Validity and Reliability

Validity questions will be validated by 3 field experts to make sure that those

questions are appropriate in conducting the study.

According to Bryman and Bell (2003), Questionnaires are referred to always lack

validity for many reasons. Several individuals may lie; give responses that are desired

and so on. Reliable measurement instruments are free of random error. Validity is a

degree to which an instrument or test measures what is needs to measure can be classified

as content, criterion, logical or construct validity.

Reliability is referred as the extent to which a test, measurement procedure or a

questionnaire generates common outcomes on repeated trials. Shortly it is the consistency

or stability of scores across raters or over time (Sandelowski, 2000) Reliability is adopted
 22

in this study by ensuring that no question is answered twice by the same respondent and

all respondents have answered all the questions in the questionnaire.

Furthermore, the researchers will use pen and paper to note in detail the

respondents non-verbal gestures; an audio recorder will be utilized in order to record

spontaneous responses along with the use of actual verbatim since semi-structured

interviews may develop unexpected responses. Ethics is an important aspect in any

research. There has to be some basic ethics to be adopted in any research. In the study

ethics is handled by the researcher by keeping the answers acquired strictly confidential.

Besides, a prior permission was taken by the researcher from the target respondents

before conducting the research.

Next to this, participants will be fully inform regarding the objectives of the

study, while they will be reassured that their answers are treated as confidential and

used only for academic purposes and only for the purposes of the particular research.

Except from the above, participants will not be harmed or abused, both physically and

psychologically, during the conduction of the research. In contrast, the researcher will

attempt to create and maintain a climate of comfort.

 23

Table of Contents

Chapter I: The Problem and its background

Rationale………………………………………………………….. 1

Statement of the Problem…………………………………………. 3

Significance of the Study…………………………………………. 4

Chapter II: Review of Related Literature and Studies

Foreign Literature………………………………………………..….6

Foreign Study..……………………………………………………...11

Local Literature…………… ……………………………………....13

Local Study………………………………………………………....15

Theoretical Framework…………………………………………..…18

Chapter 3: Methods of Research and Procedure

Research Design…………………………………………..………...19

Sampling Design…………………………………………...………..19

Locale and Population of the Study………………………..……….20

Data Gathering Procedure.……………………………………..…...20

 24

The Lived Experiences of Persons Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

A Research Proposal Presented to Capas High School – Senior High School

Submitted to:

Mr. Raulito Paulino Ramos

Submitted by:

Arthur Dwaine Guillermo

Kyla Mae Gatuc

Jellie Lacsina

Lorica Mae Layug

Pearl Angeline Pasion

Kathleen Pineda

Princess Ezrah Reyes

Jaya Tuazon

February, 2019
25