Construction of a cutoff and fusion model of breast cancer patients in family: a grounded theory study

Purpose: To construct a coping model for interactions between breast cancer patients and their families across the disease trajectory using the patients' voice, and to establish a mechanism for restoring family balance when faced with stresses related to breast cancer.

Methods: This study employed a longitudinal qualitative study design using constructivist grounded theory. We divided breast cancer trajectory into four periods: suspicion, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. We then interviewed patients during each of these periods.

Results: Twenty patients with breast cancer were interviewed. A cutoff and fusion model of the breast cancer patient's interactions with her family contained three coping themes: independence, coexistence, and interconversion. The coping trajectory of breast cancer patients in their families has specific themes in each period, such as anxiety, information, emotion, and experience.

Conclusion: We constructed a cutoff and fusion model of breast cancer patients' coping trajectory in their families. This model not only explains the opposite, coexistent, and interconvertible relationship between cutoff and fusion but also the specific challenges requiring cutoff and fusion during the four periods. Our findings highlight the dynamic balance of cutoff and fusion for patients' coping in their families.

Implications for practice: This model helps clinical staff understand the coping of breast cancer patients in their families. When providing family education, clinical staff should suggest that they not only provide support to the patient but give each other space as well.