Information needs of women with non-invasive breast cancer

The purpose of this inquiry was to gain a better understanding of the exper ience of women who have had surgery for non-invasive breast cancer. In part icular, issues surrounding information were explored. Six women who had undergone surgery for a non-invasive breast cancer (ducta l carcinoma in situ or DCIS) participated in the research and an interpreti ve approach was used to guide the research process. In-depth interviews took place in the women's homes and the interviews were transcribed verbatim. Through a process of familiarization with the tapes and transcripts, cluste rs of significant statements were assembled into individual stories of each woman's experience. The findings highlight the individual nature of the experience of informati on, with the women wanting information that is tailored to their personal n eeds. Nurses can provide care that is more responsive to the information needs of each woman by being aware of the diverse ways in which women experience in formation. This small study contributes to the limited understanding of the experience of having surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ and the information needs o f these women.