Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and continues to impose profound physical, emotional, and social challenges, particularly among women of reproductive age undergoing active treatment. This study explored the challenges and adaptive responses of women with breast cancer through the lens of Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model. A descriptive qualitative phenomenological design was employed, involving five (5) purposively selected participants from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, who were receiving systemic therapy. Semi-structured interviews continued until data saturation was achieved, and the data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, with member checking to ensure trustworthiness. The findings revealed three primary challenges: physical and physiological changes such as fatigue, nausea, alopecia, and functional decline; emotional disruption and body image alteration characterized through fear, uncertainty, and diminished self-esteem; and marital, parental, and career role changes involving dependence, guilt, and occupational disruption. Adaptations were categorized into personal strategies, such as bodily adjustment, acceptance, positive reframing, and spirituality, and external supports, including family caregiving, empathic healthcare communication, and faith or peer networks. Beyond these adaptive responses, participants described an overarching process of transformation summarized in the theme “New Me”, reflecting renewed purpose, identity reconstruction, and spiritual growth after adversity. This transformation aligns with Roy’s four adaptive modes: physiologic, self-concept, role function, and interdependence. The study concludes that adaptation represents a complex negotiation between resilience and vulnerability rather than a linear progression, requiring holistic care that addresses physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and relational needs. The findings emphasize the significance of patient-centered oncology nursing that integrates symptom management, psychosocial screening, fertility and role-function counseling, spiritual care, caregiver involvement, and peer support. Through theory-based and context-specific insights, the study contributes to oncology nursing practice, education, and policy in resource-limited settings, reinforcing the importance of compassionate, multidisciplinary care in improving the quality of life of women undergoing breast cancer treatment.
