Breast cancer and support group in the life of mastectomized women

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the importance of participation in support groups for mastectomized women’s recovery and their knowledge about this type of cancer. Material and methods: Qualitative descriptive study with ten mastectomized women participants of the “Reborn” (“Renascer”, in portuguese) support group. Data were collected by means of interviews, using a questionnaire prepared by the researcher as an instrument. The data collected were then qualitatively analyzed according to the systematization proposed by Minayo (4). Results: Six categories were identified. This study addressed the knowledge of the participants on breast cancer and their participation in the support group. Conclusion: A change of concepts and ideas about cancer in the interviewed women was identified, as well as the importance of information and explanation about this cancer, its treatment and consequences for the patient. The relevance of the support group in these women’s recovery is also noteworthy, due to the opportunity of socializing with other people with similar stories.