French women's representations and experiences of the post-treatment management of breast cancer and their perception of the general practitioner's role in follow-up care: A qualitative study

BackgroundIn France, the Cancer Plan II 2009-2013 was launched to improve post-cancer management and promote greater involvement of general practitioners (GPs) in follow-up care. ObjectivesWe investigated how women experienced the post-treatment management of breast cancer and perceived the role of the GP in follow-up care. DesignWe conducted a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with women with breast cancer in remission. The interviews were transcribed and analysed in accordance with the principles of thematic analysis. Setting and participantsWe interviewed 21 patients aged between 30 and 86. Eighteen breast cancer survivors were recruited from GP practices and five from a patients' association. ResultsFour themes emerged from the thematic analysis: that breast cancer is a life-changing event; how patients managed the effects of treatment; how patients viewed the future; and patients' expectations of their GP. Discussion and conclusionFrench survivors of breast cancer perceived the physical changes caused by their illness to impact their womanhood, leading to difficulties with sexual relations, a diminished sense of self and fears for the future. They felt abandoned at the end of treatment and desired support. They appreciated the ease of contacting their GP but considered follow-up care outside their remit. They agreed to be followed up by their GP, provided that they co-operated closely with a cancer specialist. This is in accordance with the French Cancer Plan II 2009-2013, which recommends greater involvement of GPs in a monitoring protocol shared with cancer specialists.