Resumo

SALAS ZAPATA, Carolina  e  GRISALES ROMERO, Hugo. The challenge of assessing quality of life among women with breast cancer. Salud, Barranquilla [online]. 2010, vol.26, n.1, pp.134-142. ISSN 0120-5552.

This paper provides an overview of the state of the art of quality of life among women diagnosed with breast cancer and it describe to various approaches that have been incorporated into the assessment. This aspect is relevant because its related changes in patterns of care that have been implemented especially among people with chronic disease. We conducted a narrative search for scientific articles in indexed databases, journals and texts. It was noted that most of the authors are centered in the concept and multidimensionality of the quality of life and the perception of the individual patient. This assessment is a challenge due to limitations of the instruments that exist for that purpose and the complexity of capturing what patients feel and think after diagnosis. This poses an epistemological dilemma, that is, to assess something subjective which is not quantifiable in nature but their assessment is necessary to analyze the changes in health care. We conclude that in the last decade breast cancer treatment approaches have moved from mere functional support towards a more comprehensive biopsychosocial model. Social support networks are an essential element that affects the quality of life of these patients. The health care systems should ensure integral care, focused on early diagnosis and treatment, and continuous improvement of quality of life.

Palavras-chave : Quality of life; breast cancer; assessment instruments; biopsychosocial factors; social support.

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