The Impact Of The Family Support Network On Adherence And Continuity Of Treatment For Women With Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in Brazil. If diagnosed and treated early, there is a significant increase in favorable prognoses and chances of cure. However, the stigma of the disease and the difficulties resulting from treatment directly impact all aspects of a woman's life. In this context, the family support network can be an essential factor for treatment adherence and continuity. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the family support network on treatment adherence in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This is an integrative literature review in which the search for articles was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases between July and August 2023, using the combination of descriptors "breast neoplasm", "treatment", "treatment adherence", "breast cancer", "family", and "family support". The inclusion criteria were: articles published in the last five years, in Portuguese or English, focusing on women with breast cancer. After several filtering stages, 334 article titles and abstracts were reviewed, of which 24 articles were selected for full reading, and 10 were included in this review. Results: The analysis of the articles indicated that family support plays an essential role in breast cancer treatment adherence, particularly with regard to emotional support, but it also impacts other aspects of the patients' lives. Additionally, the results showed that a lack of adequate communication between patients, family members, and healthcare professionals can hinder coping with the diagnosis and treatment. Family support not only helps to alleviate emotional distress but also influences the continuity of treatment. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between the quality of family support and breast cancer treatment adherence.