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kennedy f., harcourt d. & rumsey n. (2011) The shifting nature of women's experiences and perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 856-867. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a descriptive qualitative study of the evolution of women's perceptions and experiences of ductal carcinoma in situ from the period near to diagnosis to 1 year later. Background. Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive breast condition where cancer cells are detected but confined to the ducts of the breast. With treatment, the condition has a positive prognosis but ironically patients undergo treatment similar to that for invasive breast cancer. There is a lack of longitudinal qualitative research studying women's experiences of ductal carcinoma in situ, especially among newly diagnosed patients, and how experiences change over time. Methods. Forty-five women took part in an initial interview following a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ and 27 took part in a follow-up interview 9-13 months later. Data were collected between January 2007 and October 2008. Transcripts were analysed using a hybrid approach to thematic analysis. Findings. Women's early perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ merged and sometimes conflicted with their lay beliefs of breast cancer. Perceptions and experiences of the condition shifted over time. These overriding aspects were evident in four themes identified across the interviews: (i) perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ vs. breast cancer, (ii) from paradox to acceptance, (iii) personal impact, and (iv) support and interactions with others. Conclusion. This study represents one of the few longitudinal qualitative studies with newly diagnosed patients, capturing women's initial and shifting experiences and perceptions of the condition. The issues identified need to be recognized in clinical practice and supported appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study identifying and describing the essences of patients' experience during the period leading up to the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Background. Patient and doctor delays occur during diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and families can affect patients' help-seeking behaviours. Current guidelines state the need for immediate referral of patients with suspected non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms. Methods. A phenomenological approach was used. A purposive sample of 31 patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was recruited through a hospital and a support group in the United Kingdom. In-depth interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and then analysed using Colaizzi's method. Data collection took place over an 18-month period during 2003-2005 and data analysis was completed in 2006. Findings. The overriding theme was: Creating a pathway towards hearing the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The three themes were as follows: Perceiving individual health and onward movement; Penetrating communication processes and investigations; Advancing towards focusing on the non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma can have a diverse symptom presentation over long periods of time. Their help-seeking behaviours are an interplay of essences, including symptom type, attributions and emotional responses. Patients need tailored information to deal with the uncertainty of their situation at key points during their prediagnosis journey. Conclusion. Nurses should help patients identify and acquire the appropriate information at key points during the diagnosis period as this is a period of great uncertainty. Further research should be conducted into the quality of prediagnosis consultations and the extent to which patients think that their agendums have been met at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]