Exploring Women’s Experiences and Family Role Shifts Superseding a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract The purpose of this inquiry is to explore the family members’ experience in a family with a breast cancer survivor. This study examined family role shifts. Our research originated from two focus groups with eight breast cancer survivors in each group. The study findings revealed coping as a core theme, which was represented by the main umbrella theme, “Ambiguous Terror” and 7 subcategories on the individual level and on the relational level by “Struggling Well is Relational” and 8 subcategories. Our findings contributed to filling a gap in the literature related to shifting roles and ways to support family members.