Spirituality/religiosity and support network in the perception of women with breast cancer

Abstract

The diagnosis of breast cancer triggers an emotional impact, generating a variety of feelings. Spirituality and religiosity and support from family, friends and professionals is fundamental in coping with this period of adversity. The objective of this study was to understand how women’s spirituality and social support network help in coping with the diagnosis of breast cancer. This is a qualitative study, carried out in an oncology hospital, with the participation of forty women with breast cancer. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were applied, analyzed using Content Analysis. The thematic axis “Support” was composed of the categories “Spirituality/Religiosity” and “Social support”. Faced with the discovery of a disease that leads to suffering and death, a support network is needed to cope with cancer. Spiritual support was unanimous and faith favored overcoming the initial impact, infusing strength to face the diagnosis. The family represented a unique support, helping with health care and with words of encouragement. Professional support occurred through guidance, kindness in assistance and motivation. The pandemic has impacted social isolation. However, it brought benefits such as greater contact with the family. To cope with the cancer diagnosis, the women studied had social and spiritual support, through emotional support, material and practical resources, received from family members and significant others. These are strategies that need to be explored by the multidisciplinary team at the time of diagnosis, minimizing the impact and accepting the demands presented by women with breast cancer.