Women’s lived experience of breast biopsy: a phenomenological study

This study aimed to explore Irish women's lived experience of breast biopsy with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of their individual experiences and the meanings that it holds for them. A phenomenological approach from a Heideggerian hermeneutical perspective was used. Study participants were eight women aged 22-54 years who had experienced a recent breast biopsy with benign diagnosis. Data were collected using in-depth interviewing. The work of Benner (1994), together with guidelines from Morse & Field (1996) and Burnard (1991) were used to guide the process of data analysis. Themes which emerged from the data were: 'Finding the lump', 'Waiting, not knowing', 'knowing', 'Getting back to normal' and 'Reflections'. Women's feelings of initial distress followed by relief permeate these themes.