PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experience of pursuing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in breast cancer patients.
METHODS
Ten women with breast cancer participated in the study. Data were collected through individual in-depth unstructured and individualized interviews with each participant from February to July, 2015. Theoretical sampling was used upto the point of theoretical saturation. Data were analyzed using Corbin & Strauss's grounded theory methodology.
RESULTS
Through open coding, 22 sub-categories, and 13 categories were identified. Analysis revealed that the core category was 'endless management of mind and body for healing', which consisted of four phases; exploring, applying, grasping, and integrating. Through this process, the participants utilized various action/interactional strategies such as 'dealing with information', 'trying out blindly', 'enduring volitionally', 'experiencing effects on mind and body,' and 'grasping one's own way.' The consequences of these strategies were integrating the habit of health remedy into one's life, becoming a main agent for change, and tolerating one's weak body.
CONCLUSION
In-depth understanding of the CAM pursuing experiences of patients with breast cancer would guide clinical nurses and policy makers to develop effective interventions and policies for better supporting them with regard to the usage of CAM.

Citations

• Development and psychometric evaluation of the adjuvant endocrine therapy beliefs scale for breast cancer survivors
  Sung Hae Kim, JuHee Lee
  Archives of Women's Mental Health.2024; 27(6): 961.     CrossRef
• Research Trends of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Sleep-Wake Disturbances in Cancer Patients
  Moon Ju Oh, Hee Sun Kim
  Asian Oncology Nursing.2022; 22(3): 163.     CrossRef
• Successful Outcome of Breast Cancer Patient Refusing Conventional Treatments: A Case Report
  Sanghun Lee, Kicheul Sohn, Songha Chon
  Journal of Korean Medicine.2018; 39(4): 177.     CrossRef