A Shared Journey To a Better Future: Mutual Support Among Breast Cancer Survivors and Their First-Degree Relatives

Purpose Breast cancer affects survivors and their first-degree relatives. They face breast cancer together as a unit. This study aimed to explore the mutual support of breast cancer survivors and their first-degree relatives in their joint coping with breast cancer. Methods A qualitative case study with purposeful sampling was conducted. Ten breast cancer survivors and 21 of their first-degree relatives were recruited for in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis using MAXQDA software. Results Three themes were extracted under the overarching theme “a shared journey to a better future”: 1. “Mutual support is needed as we are in the same boat,” suggesting mutual support in responding to breast cancer; 2. “We experience stormy and windy weather during our journey,” emphasizing challenges encountered in providing support; and 3. “Sunny and breezy days are a gift for both of us,” indicating they perceived reciprocity during the process of mutual support. Conclusions Mutual support was an important feature of breast cancer survivors and first-degree relatives coping with breast cancer and beneficial to both groups. However, significant challenges in supporting each other were reported, indicating the necessity of external support in coping with breast cancer. Health professionals should not ignore first-degree relatives of breast cancer survivors, and need to support both of these groups.