Culture and spirituality in the experience of breast cancer and mastectomy

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing numbers of breast cancer, the high survival and the current cultural and religious- spiritual diversity make a large number of factors that must be considered in the experience of this pathology. Objective: To know the influence of cultural elements in the experience of breast cancer and mastectomy. Methodology: Integrative review in national and international databases of scientific literature published between 2006 and 2018. Results: The main findings identified were the emotional and sexual aspects, and their influence on the experience of breast cancer / mastectomy, stressful social and cultural factors in women with breast cancer / mastectomy and the mechanisms of adaptation to breast cancer in relation to to its culture Regarding the first two findings, there is evidence of loss of femininity, self-esteem and negative perception of body image as well as a decrease in satisfaction, sexual functionality and libido. Also fear of relapse and family role change in countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and in African-American culture. As for the mechanisms of adaptation, the disease is understood from the spiritual as God's will in prevailing cultures in Indonesia, Jordan and Hawaii, although, on the contrary, women in Bahrain conceive of cancer as a punishment or an evil eye. Conclusion: There is a need to pay more specialized attention attending to emotional and sexual aspects, acting on social awareness to avoid the stigma they suffer and assessing the meaning of the disease and the spiritual coping strategies carried out.Future studies could deepen the culturally competent approach to this pathology.