The meaning of "not giving in" -: Lived experiences among women with breast cancer

This article explores the meaning to women with breast cancer of "not giving in." Giorgi's phenomenological method was applied, and data were collected through open interviews. Ten women with breast cancer participated. The analysis resulted in a general structure of the phenomenon studied, including six key constituents: accepting the challenge to go on living, working actively on the healing process, finding something important to live for, gaining insights about life itself, experiencing awareness and avoidance, and introducing radical change in life. The results are consistent with literature about strategies in facing death and development as human conditions. Understanding the phenomenon of "not giving in" seems to be crucial for nurses in helping women with breast cancer to mobilize the inner power to survive and develop as human beings.