Background: One of nine women will at some point in life be treated for breast cancer. When a woman receives a cancer diagnosis, it can be a trigger of a life crisis, which manifests itself in different phases: shock phase, reaction phase, processing phase and reorientation phase. Breast cancer affects the women's lifeworld and create suffering.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe women's experiences of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. Method: This is a literature-based study of twelve qualitative articles. The articles was analyzed according to a qualitative content analysis of Graneheim and Lundman (2004).

Results: The findings of this study were that women with a newly-diagnosed breast cancer went through a life crisis while diagnosed. Three themes emerged; 1: 'To receive the diagnosis of breast cancer'. Subthemes that emerged in this theme was; 'To be in shock', 'Fear of the disease progress and its consequences', and 'Uncertainty about the future'. 2: 'Strategies to master the new life situation'. Subthemes was; 'Activities to manage everyday life', 'Trust in spirituality' and 'To accept the diagnosis'. 3: 'The inherent meaning of support'. Subthemes was; 'The importance of health professionals supportive and informative role' and 'The significance of family and friend's support'. Conclusion: Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is manifested as multifaceted and had a great impact on women's lives. Spirituality had a great significance for women's life-world. How the diagnosis was received, was highly individual.