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Chapter IV

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data


The answers to the secondary problems of the study were taken up in this
Chapter. Processed data are presented in tables, analyzed and interpreted. The
hypothesis of the study was also tested and decided upon.

Research Problem No. 1:

What

is

the

demographic

profile

of

the

respondents in terms of:


Table 1
Frequency of Respondents
According to Demographic Features
FEATURES
Age:
25 years or younger
26 30 years
31 35 years
36 40 years
41 years or older
Total
Average age

Freq.

1
4.00
1
4.00
3 12.00
2
8.00
18 72.00
25 100.00
32 years

Marital Status:
Single
Married
Separated
Widow
Total

5 20.00
18 72.00
1
4.00
1
4.00
25 100.00

Educational Attainment:
Elementary grad/under
High School grad/under
College grad/under
Total

1
4.00
8 32.00
16 64.00
25 100.00

Preoccupation:
Housekeeper
Unemployed
Employee
Businesswoman
Pensioner
Total

13 52.00
4 16.00
1
4.00
6 24.00
1
4.00
25 100.00

FEATURES
Freq. %
Family Economic Status
(Average Monthly Income):
Below Aver. (5,000 or less)
11 44.00
Average (5001 15,000)
9 36.00
Above Aver. (15,001 30,000) 2
8.00
Well-to-do (30,000 or more)
3 12.00
Total
25 100.00
Average
P3,360/mo.
Major Source of Emotional
Support:
None
2
8.00
Spouse
10 40.00
Children
9 36.00
Siblings
3 12.00
Relative
1
4.00
Total
25 100.00
Number of Years Diagnosed
of Having Breast Cancer:
3 years or less
17 68.00
4 years or more
8 32.00
Total
25 100.00
Average
3.13
Type of Treatments
Received:
Surgery
8 32.00
Radiation
1
4.00
Chemotherapy
7 28.00
Combination
6 24.00
Others (Albularyo)
3 12.00
Total
25 100.00

Shown in Table 1 are 8 demographic features and corresponding categories of


the 25 respondents profile.
The first feature involved in the table is the AGE of the respondents distributed in
5 significant brackets. When computed the average age of the 25 respondents is 32

years. The most number of respondents with a total of 72 percent ages between 41
years or older. In descending order of frequency they are followed by: 12 percent ages
between 31-35 years , 8 percent ages between 36-40 years, 4 percent ages between
26-30 years and 4 percent are 25 years or younger.
An increasing age of an individual predisposes them into a higher a chance of
developing breast cancer, especially those who have other known risk factors such as
family history of breast cancer, use of oral contraceptives, early menarche or late
menopause, etc. because of this, breast cancer patients are likely those who belong in
the age bracket of 41 years old and above.
The second feature is connected with the MARITAL STATUS of the respondents
distributed in 4 significant categories. The most number of the respondents representing
72 percent of the total are married. In descending order of the frequency, they are
followed by: 20 percent are single; 1 percent is separated and 1 percent is widowed.
Since majority of the respondents is on the early, middle and late adult, most of
them usually settle to form families, hence they are married.
The third feature is concerned with the EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT of the
respondents distributed in three significant categories. The most number of respondents
representing 64 percent are College Graduates and Undergraduates. In descending
order of frequency, they are followed by: 32 percent are High School Graduates and
Undergraduates; and 4 percent are Elementary graduate and Undergraduate.
Although education is an important tool in understanding sensitive issues as
breast cancer, it is not enough in the developing risks of Breast Cancer. Aside from
lifestyle related factors such as not having children, hormone therapy after menopause
and intake of alcohol, there are other risk factors of breast cancer that cannot be
modified such as Gender, Aging and Dense Breast Tissue.
The respondents are distributed in five significant categories, namely:
Housekeeper, Unemployed, Employee, Businesswoman, and Pensioner. The most
number of respondents representing fifty two percent are Housekeeper; twenty four

percent are Businesswoman; sixteen percent are Unemployed; and only four percent
each are Employees and Pensioner.
Preoccupation is the major activity that makes a respondent busy. The plain
housekeeper attends to household needs and nothing else. The employed women are
those who receive salaries and wages from a public or private employer like office
employees, factory workers, sales ladies, guest relation officers and the like. The selfemployed women are those whose means of livelihood are not derived from an
employer which include home-service manicurists, independent dressmakers, etc.
Businesswomen are those into small-scale trading like sari-sari stores, wet market
vendors, etc. Pensioners include retirees who receive monthly pensions from SSS or
GSIS. Others include the unemployed women who are neither a plain housekeeper nor
a student and those engaged in insignificant preoccupation. At this juncture, it is still
unclear whether preoccupation plays a crucial role in the socio-emotional effects of
breast cancer among patients.
The fifth feature is related to the ECONOMIC STATUS of the respondents
distributed in 4 significant categories. As seen on the table, the respondents answers
highly on the below average selection with a respondent of 11 persons followed by
average with respondent of 9. Next is well-to-do with a respondent of 3 persons and
lastly the above average with a respondent of 2 persons with a total number of
respondents of 25 persons.
The results revealed that majority of the respondents and their families have
been really exerting not only their effort but also money as well, to primarily give a
higher chance of survival among their family members who are at these kind of disease.
Breast cancer treatment includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy which are
undoubtedly of a very high cost nowadays. But despite of that, the families of the
patients have been sustaining their needs for a longer survival. Fortunate are those who
already have the capacity to afford the therapies given. But most, if not all, would still
need to suffer too much just for those treatments for breast cancer. Hence, every family
of the individual undergoing therapy is economically affected by these circumstances.

The sixth feature is related to the MAJOR SOURCE OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT


of the respondents distributed in 5 significant categories. The table above shows that
majority of the respondents have been seeking emotional support from their spouses
accounting for 40%. Next was to their children with 36% followed by siblings and other
relatives at 12% and 4% respectively. However, 2 respondents (8%) have been seeking
no emotional support from anyone.
The family is the basic unit of the society. And every family, whatever kind of
family, has been living with a common goal. They are helping each other in every aspect
of their lives especially in the socio-emotional aspects. Cancer patients, indeed, needs a
higher and more care on the socio-emotional aspect. These patients are thought
develop depression and anxiety more, compared to other normal individuals. Thus,
every family member has been helping every patient to get through this situation.
Spouses were greatly involved in these, since they are mostly spending their time to
their partners, especially when their sons or daughters have been working already.
Above all, four categories have been included in a family, a family which includes
spouses, their siblings, and other close relatives.
The seventh feature focused on the NUMBER OF YEARS DIAGNOSED OF
HAVING BREAST CANCER of the respondents distributed in 2 significant categories.
The average number of years diagnosed per respondent is 3.13. The most number of
respondents representing 68 percent of the total have been diagnosed for 3 years or
less and 32 percent of the total has been diagnosed for 4 years or more.The results
indicate that the greater number of respondents or 68 percent has been diagnosed for 3
years or less and the lesser number of respondents or 32 percent has been diagnosed
for 4 years or more.
Breast cancer symptoms, just like any other kind of cancer, vary widely and
most show no obvious symptoms at all. But several tests and examinations are taught
and done to every woman to immediately report any possible sign of cancer, specifically
breast cancer. Prevention of complication and worsening of the condition were the
primary goals of these secondary preventions. Thus, majority of the respondents have

been diagnosed of having breast cancer for less than three years. However, since
cancer shows no symptoms at first, some only do checkups on their doctors, for four
years or more, only whenever of a severe condition already or on a higher stage of the
disease.
The eight and last feature gave information on the respondents TYPE OF
TREATMENTS RECEIVED distributed in 5 significant categories. Every one of the
respondents received treatment. The most number of respondents representing 32
percent or 8 of the total had surgery; 28 percent or 7 received chemotherapy; 24
percent or 6

had a combination of treatment; 12 percent or 3 represents other

treatments; and only 4 percent or 1 went through radiation therapy. Based on the
results, it can be seen that majority or 32 percent of the total respondents underwent a
surgery. And the minority or 4 percent of the total respondents had radiation therapy.
As technology advances, several treatment modalities have evolved for the
treatment and diagnosis of cancer. There is no specific treatment modality for cancer for
every patient needs different approach and also, they must also take into consideration
the cost of every single treatment since majority of the respondents belong to the
bracket below average earning only 5, 000 only or less. Majority of the respondents
have tried surgery for it is the primary treatment modality because this procedure helps
kill cancer cells easily and effectively compared to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The latter is also very costly nowadays and requires more frequently than the former.

Research Problem No. 2:

To what extent are the respondents affected by

the effects of breast cancer and its treatments on the following aspects:
Table 2.1
Extent of Effect of Breast Cancer and Its Treatments
Aspect: Social
Social Effects

Mean

Interpretation

Discrimination

3.24

Moderate

Alienation

2.52

Moderate

Loss of productivity at work

3.64

Strong

Difficulty with sex functions

3.32

Moderate

Loss of interactive communication

3.24

Moderate

3.19

Moderate

Average

Table 2.1 listed 5 extents of social effects that a patient may experience with
Breast Cancer. The 5 social effects earned a composite mean rating of 3.19 which is an
equivalent to an extent of effect of Moderate. On the top of the list is Loss of
productivity at work with an extent of effect of Strong with the highest mean rating of
3.64. The second on the list is Difficulty with sex functions with an extent of effect of
Moderate that has a mean rating of 3.32. The third and fourth on the list is
Discrimination and Loss of interactive communication with an extent of effect of
Moderate that has both a mean rating of 3.24. The last on the list is Alienation with
an extent of effect of Moderate that has a mean rating of 2.52.
Based on the results, it appears that the respondents often experience Loss of
productivity at work. It is a necessity of every individual to feel productive at work
because without it, they often feel useless withdrawn from others. Every individual
should feel that they are contributing to the welfare of their family and society for them
not to feel as stagnant. They should keep doing things to benefit not only themselves
but as well as other generations. When they feel this sense of productivity, they might
feel of making their own marks on the society, hence, self accomplishment and selfworth is raised.

Table 2.2
Extent of Effect of Breast Cancer and Its Treatments
Aspect: Emotional
Emotional Effects

Mean

Interpretation

Fear, shock

4.04

Strong

Denial

3.76

Strong

Anger

2.96

Moderate

Depression

3.52

Strong

Loss of self-esteem

2.60

Moderate

Anxiety

3.68

Strong

Stress

3.04

Moderate

Guilt

3.04

Moderate

Self-pity

2.84

Moderate

Hopelessness

3.28

Moderate

3.28

Moderate

Average

Table 2.2 enumerated the 10 extent of emotional effects that a patient may
experience with Breast Cancer. The 10 emotional effects earned a composite mean
rating of 3.28 which is an equivalent to an extent of effect of Moderate. On the top of
the list is Fear, shock with an extent of effect of Strong that has a mean rating of
4.04. The second is Denial with an extent of effect of Strong that has a mean rating
of 3.76. The third is Anxiety with an extent of effect of Strong that has a mean rating of
3.68. The fourth on the list is Depression with an extent of effect of Strong that has a
mean rating of 3.76. The fifth on the list is Hopelessness with an extent of effect of
Moderate that has a mean rating of 3.28. The sixth and seventh on the list are Guilt
and Stress with an extent of effect of Moderate that has both a mean rating of 3.04.
The eighth on the list is Anger with an extent of effect of Moderate that has a mean
rating of 2.96. The ninth on the list is Self Pity with an extent of effect of Moderate
that has a mean rating of 2.84. The last on the list is Loss of Self Esteem with an
extent of effect of Moderate that has a mean rating of 2.60.

Since Breast Cancer is a chronic and fatal disease, women diagnosed with
Breast Cancer often feel shock because most women usually do not expect the
occurrence of the disease due to the absence of symptoms in the early stage of the
disease. Fear, due to fear of death, the greatest fear of every individual especially those
who are in this stage of illness/disease.
Table 2.3
Summary of Extent of Effect of
Breast Cancer and Its Treatments
Effects

Mean

Interpretation

Social

3.19

Moderate

Emotional

3.28

Moderate

3.25

Moderate

Overall Average

Table 2.2 summarized the extent of effects of Breast Cancer in both Social and
Emotional. The 2 extent of effects earned a composite mean rating of 3.24 which is
equivalent to an extent of effect of Moderate. The highest mentioned above is the
Emotional with an extent of effect of Moderate that has a mean rating of 3.28 and
second is Social with an extent of effect of Moderate that has a mean rating of 3.19.
Although Breast Cancer may cause social withdrawal among those who
developed it, the emotional effects such as Fear, Denial, Anger, etc. are the most
affected in an individual. Most women are often scared of how this illness will affect their
daily lives.

Research Problem No. 3:

Is there a significant difference between the

respondents demographic profile and the extent by which they are affected
socially and emotionally by breast cancer and its treatments?

Hypothesis Testing: There is no significant difference between the respondents


demographic profile and the extent by which they are affected socially and
emotionally by breast cancer and its treatments.
Table 3.1
Significant Difference
Demographic Profile: Extent of Effect
Aspect: Social Effects
Demographic Profile

Chi

df

Square

Critical

Significant Difference

Value *

(X2) Value
52.41

16

26.30

Significantly Different

Marital Status

7.23

12

21.03

No Significant Difference

Educational Attainment

19.93

15.51

Significantly Different

Preoccupation

29.89

16

26.30

Significantly Different

Family Economic Status

10.42

12

21.03

No significant Difference

Major Source of Emotional

26.86

16

26.30

Significantly Different

4.79

9.49

No Significant Difference

51.38

16

26.39

Significantly Different

Age

Support
Number of Years Diagnosed of
Having Breast Cancer
Type of Treatments Received

The difference is said to be significant whenever the chi square value is more
than that of the critical value. This is interpreted to mean that the configuration of the
assessments is influenced by a specified demographic feature. There having a no
significant difference, it is concluded that the hypothesis involving the demographic
features and the extent of effect of breast cancer and its treatments concerning social
effects is untrue. In view thereof, the hypothesis is accepted. In the table, it can be

10

seen that no significant difference existed involving the demographic features: marital
status, family economic status, and number of years diagnosed of having breast cancer.
There is significant difference when the result is the opposite, that is, the critical
value is higher than that of the chi square value. There having significant difference, it is
concluded that the hypothesis involving the demographic features and the extent of
effect of social effects is true. As such, the hypothesis is rejected.
The preceding table shows significant difference existed involving the
demographic features: age, educational attainment, preoccupation, major source of
emotional support, and type of treatments received. This is interpreted to mean that the
configuration of the assessments is not influenced by the foregoing demographic
features.

Table 3.2
Significant Difference
Demographic Profile: Extent of Effect

11

Aspect: Emotional Effects


Demographic Profile

Chi

df

Square

Critical

Significant Difference

Value *

(X2) Value
58.71

16

26.30

Significantly Different

Marital Status

6.91

12

21.03

No Significant Difference

Educational Attainment

10.02

15.51

No Significant Difference

Preoccupation

46.55

16

26.30

Significantly Different

Family Economic Status

14.29

12

21.03

No significant Difference

Major Source of Emotional

46.51

16

26.30

Significantly Different

4.79

9.49

No Significant Difference

61.15

16

26.30

Significantly Different

Age

Support
Number of Years Diagnosed of
Having Breast Cancer
Type of Treatments Received

In Table 3.2, it can be seen that significant difference existed in the extent of
effect of emotional effects involving the demographic features: marital status,
educational attainment, and family economic status. This means that the pattern of
answers was not influenced by these demographic variables. The hypothesis involving
these variables is therefore untrue and accordingly rejected.
No significant difference, however, existed between the extent of effect of
emotional effects involving the following demographic features: age, preoccupation,
major source of emotional support, number of years diagnosed of having breast cancer
and type of treatments received. This means that the pattern of answers was influenced
by these demographic variables. The hypothesis involving these variables is therefore
true and accordingly accepted.
Research Problem No. 4:

How do the respondents measure the degree of

effectiveness of the adaptation strategies employed by them to cope with


the social and emotional effects of breast cancer and its treatments?

12

Table 4
Degree of Effectiveness
Adaptation Strategies
Adaptation Strategies
Communicate with family and friends

Mean

Interpretation

4.28

Very effective

3.88

Very effective

Visit with a counselor or spiritual director

4.04

Very effective

Join a support group

3.68

Very effective

Express needs and ask for help

3.60

Very effective

Report symptoms to healthcare team

4.00

Very effective

3.80

Very effective

Educate self about cancer and treatments

3.80

Very effective

Exercise

4.12

Very effective

Make plans for a crisis

3.88

Very effective

Average

3.91

Very effective

Maintain intimacy (when patient has


a partner)

Keep a log of medical visits, save test


results, keep receipts

Table 4 mentioned the 10 degree of effectiveness of the adaptation strategies which


earned a mean composite rating of 3.21 with a degree of effectiveness of Very
effective. The highest mentioned in the preceding table is Communicate with family
and friends with a degree of effectiveness of Very effective that has a mean rating of
4.28.
Since man is a social being, women diagnosed with breast cancer use this tool to
release their anxiety and tension due to the development of the disease.

Research Problem No. 5: Functional Adaptation Plan

13

A Functional Adaptation Plan was developed to reduce the intensity of the social
and emotional effects of breast cancer and its treatments. It was shown as
Recommendation in Chapter V of this study.

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