The support groups on the battle against breast cancer: a comprehensive approach

Abstract

This descriptive and qualitative research, based on Heidegger’s phenomenology, aimed at analyze the contribution of support groups for hepling these women on facing the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment under the perspective of women who had experienced the cancer. It was accomplished in a specialized unit for treatment of cancer, in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, from March to June 2009. The subjects were fifteen women from 27 to 71 years of age, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer at least two years before, without metastasis, and submitted to surgical treatment. For data collection open interview was used and the starting question was: "Tell me about your life after the breast cancer diagnosis". Data analysis allowed to evidence that, according to these women's perception, the presence of the nursing team represents an indispensable factor in the consolidation of the support groups. From this study emerges the validation of Nursing as a science, and it reiterates its important performance in the oncological nursing care regarding a holistic and individualized approach, and strengthening the composition of these women's support groups.