Exploring young women's experiences throughout the journey of hormone-sensitive breast cancer: A qualitative secondary analysis

PURPOSE: To explore young women's experiences during the pre-, peri-, and post-diagnostic phases of hormone-sensitive breast cancer and survivorship. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative secondary analysis was conducted with ten women aged 28-39, diagnosed within five years and recruited via two national Swedish patient organizations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually or by phone, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed one overarching theme, Navigating Uncertainty in the Journey Through Breast Cancer, capturing young women's experiences across diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Five descriptive categories illustrated key aspects of this journey: Experiences of Neglect While Seeking Care for Breast Cancer Symptoms; The Lack of Age-Specific Support in Healthcare; Seeking Knowledge, Regaining Control, and Developing Coping Strategies; Balancing Parenthood and Cancer Treatment; and Existential Anxiety and the Importance of Addressing Mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Young women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer face unique challenges related to age bias, limited reproductive and psychosocial support, and existential distress. Tailored, age-sensitive, person-centered care is essential to address these needs and improve survivorship experiences.