Date of Award/Publication

4-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. in Advanced Practice Nursing

First Supervisor

Nancy Wilk

Abstract

It was estimated that in 2009,21,550 women would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14.600 women would die from it. There are approximately 176,007 women living with ovarian cancer in the US. While there is extant quantitative - literature surrounding quality of life of women with ovarian cancer, there are significantly less qualitative studies. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of how women with ovarian cancer perceived their quality of life. I Five women were interviewed. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed, then I read for overall impression and general themes. Three major themes were identified in the data: feelings of loss, impact on family, and life has changed. The findings were consistent with that of other qualitative studies and provide insight for health care providers caring for these women. Women who are battling ovarian cancer need emotional as well as physical support from their health care providers. Providers need to be aware of the implications that a diagnosis of ovarian cancer has on a patient and her family.

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Nursing Commons

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