Psychological Resilience and Breast Cancer: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second cancer among women in Brazil, with 66,280 new cases in 2022 and estimated 72,000 new cases by 2025, according to data from the Brazilian National Institute of Cancer. On the other hand, there are a few studies of psychological resilience in Brazilian women with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological resilience process in breast cancer patients. An integrative review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, the Virtual Health Library (BVS), and ScienceDirect. The search included articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The following mesh terms were included: psychological resilience and breast cancer. The selection and analysis of articles followed the PRISMA guidelines. Of the 319 articles firstly selected, 39 were used in review. Of these, 14 included articles indicate that lack of support during breast cancer treatment can lead to adverse psychological consequences, thereby hindering resilience. The patients demonstrate hight level of anxiety, depression, decrease in self-esteem and self-concept, loss, or low fertility during the treatment in young women in childbearing age, which represents a significant concern for this population. For all breast cancer patients, the presence of external support, such as having family, friends, financial resources, and a support to carry out the treatment, prove to be relevant in maintaining mental health, thus enabling positive resilience.