THE ROLE OF NURSING IN THE CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF BREAST CANCER

Abstract

This study aimed to highlight the role of nursing in breast cancer control and prevention, highlighting its relevance in health promotion, early diagnosis, and therapeutic monitoring. This is a descriptive and exploratory narrative literature review conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) between April and August 2025. Free-access articles in Portuguese published between 2020 and 2025 were included. The search yielded 513 studies, of which, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 were selected for detailed analysis. The results demonstrate that nursing plays an essential role in all stages of care, from providing guidance on risk factors and encouraging self-examination to ordering tests, administering therapies, managing adverse effects, and providing palliative care. The humanizing dimension of care, including welcoming and emotional support for patients, is also highlighted. It is concluded that nursing work is essential to combat breast cancer, combining technical competence and human sensitivity, contributing to reducing mortality and improving women's quality of life.