Comparing Self-Compassion and Life Expectancy in Women with and without Breast Cancer
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Background: Breast cancer is among the most prevalent forms of cancer in women. Today, it is known that variables such as self-compassion and life expectancy can improve and reduce the negative effects of this cancer. The current study aimed to compare self-compassion and life expectancy in women with and without breast cancer.
Methods: The research was conducted using a descriptive-comparative approach. The statistical population included all women referred to specialized centers in Basra, Iraq, in 2020. Out of 1670 clients, 220 women with cancer (110 individuals) and healthy women (110 individuals) were sampled using the convenient sampling method and responded to the questionnaires. The Neff Self-Compassion Scale and Snyder Life Expectancy Questionnaire were used in the present study. The descriptive branches of frequency, mean, and standard deviation (SD), as well as statistical tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data with SPSS software.
Results: The mean ± SD of life expectancy of the healthy group was greater than that of the patients with cancer (P < 0.01). Patients with cancer (64.18 ± 5.48) and healthy people (62.49 ± 5.07) scored similarly on the Self-Compassion Scale. While there was no significant difference in the self-compassion variable, there were no differences between the two groups (P > 0.01). Besides, the cancer group had a lower life expectancy (13.62 ± 3.74) and the healthy group had a higher life expectancy (25.73 ± 4.34) (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Women with breast cancer have the same level of self-compassion as healthy women, but their life expectancy is lower.
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