The Effect of Group and Mobile Wellness Coaching Given to Women With Breast Cancer on the Disease

Breast cancer is among the most common types of cancer worldwide. While more common in women, it can also occur in men. According to WHO data, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2022, resulting in 670,000 deaths. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) predicts that 1 in 20 women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer, with 3.2 million breast cancer cases and 1.1 million breast cancer-related deaths by 2050. In Turkey, breast cancer ranks first among women. According to cancer statistics from the Ministry of Health, 29.3% of women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. According to GLOBOCAN Turkey data, 23.5% (25,249) of women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, while 5.7% (7,360) died from breast cancer. Despite increased survival rates thanks to early diagnosis and treatment options, breast cancer poses a multifaceted crisis for women diagnosed with it. The period between a new diagnosis and the first treatment is one of the most stressful times for women with breast cancer. It affects women's physical, psychological, social, and sexual aspects, creating a significant source of stress. Managing stress in women with new breast cancer is crucial for improving the course of the disease, facilitating treatment compliance, ensuring their adaptation to the disease, and improving their overall well-being. Qualitative and descriptive studies conducted with women diagnosed with breast cancer in the literature have identified complex experiences such as pain, anger, anxiety, and life challenges. Having a coach who can help patients going through this complex and challenging process feel they are not alone and who can share positive examples from similar situations with both the client/patient and their family as a companion can foster healthy behavioral changes, increased treatment engagement, and increased belief in recovery and motivation. In a study conducted by Çınar et al., women with breast cancer received mobile app-based education and individual counseling for 12 weeks regarding breast cancer, symptom diaries, and lifestyle recommendations (adequate and balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, etc.). It was found that the women's quality of life increased and their stress levels decreased. Another study demonstrated that a spiritual nursing care model improved spiritual well-being and the quality of spiritual care in cancer patients. An examination of these practices reveals that healthcare professionals, especially oncology nurses, naturally act as health coaches in this process. A wellness coaching program also evaluates patients holistically, mentally, physically, and spiritually. The goal of the wellness coaching program is to enhance the well-being of breast cancer patients by focusing on their concerns, such as stress, health and illness, life challenges, acceptance of illness, social relationships, physical appearance, and more. Today, mobile technologies are an important tool for interacting with individuals. Healthcare professionals worldwide have begun to use mobile technology as a tool to reach larger audiences and improve their health. Some studies indicate that mobile apps have the potential to intervene in health behavior changes. Therefore, it is important for nurses to incorporate mobile health apps into the nursing process. There are no mobile apps available in the app markets for Android and iOS operating systems that include a Wellness Coaching program. This thesis aims to provide wellness coaching to patients diagnosed with breast cancer through a mobile app and in person.