The Social Reality of Meaning Making: The Dichotomy in the Illness Narratives of Women With Breast Cancer and Biomedical Practitioners in Nigeria.

Background: Despite the increasing burden of breast cancer in the developing world, there is a misunderstanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between culture and cancer, particularly breast cancer. Hence, a dichotomy of illness narratives exists due to differential meaning making concerning breast cancer. While clinicians always recommend biomedical treatment, women with breast cancer often seek alternative treatment pathways.

Living With a New Normal: Self-Identities of Women With Breast Cancer in Nigeria.

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer for women in Nigeria, representing 25% of all cancers in women. How do women self-identify with the new realities of living with breast cancer before, during and after treatment?

Aims: This study aims to examine the self-identities of 22 women with breast cancer in Nigeria.

Methods: The paper relies on grounded theory research method to collect data, analyse and capture the processes of self-identity formation.