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The Importance of Spirituality for Women Facing Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study

Author

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  • Diva Cristina Morett Romano Leão

    (Faculty of Nursing, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24020091, Brazil
    Department of Nursing, Mind Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Eliane Ramos Pereira

    (Faculty of Nursing, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24020091, Brazil)

  • María Nieves Pérez-Marfil

    (Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatment, Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Rose Mary Costa Rosa Andrade Silva

    (Faculty of Nursing, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24020091, Brazil)

  • Angelo Braga Mendonça

    (National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro 20230130, Brazil)

  • Renata Carla Nencetti Pereira Rocha

    (Faculty of Nursing, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24020091, Brazil)

  • María Paz García-Caro

    (Department of Nursing, Mind Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

Abstract

Breast cancer remains significantly distressing and produces profound changes in women’s lives. Spirituality is an important resource at the time of diagnosis and treatment decisions. This qualitative study aimed to explore the spiritual experience of women diagnosed with breast cancer and the considerations of spirituality in health care using the existential phenomenology approach. The sampling procedure was intentional, based on the study’s exclusion and inclusion criteria. Forty women participated in individual interviews. The research was conducted in the outpatient clinic of a reference federal university hospital in South-Eastern Brazil. Throughout the research process, ethical principles were carefully followed. Five themes were identified: (1) meaning of spirituality–source of spiritual strength, (2) well-being in the relationship with God, (3) well-being in religious fellowship, (4) values and purpose of life–meaning in life, and (5) spirituality as a foundation to continue. Respect for patient’s spiritual values was recognised as a fundamental principle in health care. Spirituality was revealed as a source of support during the complex process of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Thus, health care professionals that value and encourage spirituality are needed, favouring better patient response to the diagnosis.

Suggested Citation

  • Diva Cristina Morett Romano Leão & Eliane Ramos Pereira & María Nieves Pérez-Marfil & Rose Mary Costa Rosa Andrade Silva & Angelo Braga Mendonça & Renata Carla Nencetti Pereira Rocha & María Paz Garcí, 2021. "The Importance of Spirituality for Women Facing Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6415-:d:574423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geyer, Siegfried & Koch-Giesselmann, Heike & Noeres, Dorothee, 2015. "Coping with breast cancer and relapse: Stability of coping and long-term outcomes in an observational study over 10 years," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 92-98.
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    Cited by:

    1. Abdur Rasool & Chayut Bunterngchit & Luo Tiejian & Md. Ruhul Islam & Qiang Qu & Qingshan Jiang, 2022. "Improved Machine Learning-Based Predictive Models for Breast Cancer Diagnosis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-19, March.

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