Understanding the needs of breast cancer patients who have experienced intimate partner violence: Implications for trauma- and violence-informed care

Trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC) aims to minimize re-traumatization and promote equitable outcomes for women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Breast cancer (BC) patients with trauma histories may delay or avoid care due to fear of re-traumatization, compromising outcomes. This study aimed to explore what aspects of TVIC are important to this patient population and understand how trauma influences lived experiences of BC. Nine women with prior or concurrent BC and IPV participated in 1-on-1 semi-structured interviews, analyzed via Thorne's interpretive description. Participants emphasized that providers should understand how trauma influences behavior, self-advocacy, and coping. Control and revocable consent were essential for emotional and physical safety. Some women felt prior trauma hindered self-advocacy. Agency and collaboration in care, while important, were challenging to achieve. Resilience related to prior trauma helped some women face BC. This study provides critical insights into improving TVIC in BC for women with IPV histories.