"So, when a woman becomes ill, the total structure of the family is affected, they can't do anything…" Voices from the community on women with breast cancer in India: a qualitative focus group study.

Clinical and lay communities were aware of the widespread psychological impact affecting women with breast cancer which are amplified by the patriarchal context within which they live, which extends into clinical practice. Family and faith provide a strong support structure and are a cause of distress, as core roles and expectations are challenged by this disease of womanhood.