ADHERENCE TO ADJUVANT ORAL HORMONE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This scientific article aims to gather scientific data and, through it, analyze and point out the main factors associated with low adherence to Adjuvant Hormone Therapy for breast cancer, a disease with a mortality rate far above what is expected, and finally, to raise awareness and show the points to be worked on to increase this adherence. The methodology used was a narrative review, which gathered research from scientific articles relevant to the topic in question and data from reference institutes in Brazil. The results obtained indicate that the factors responsible for low adherence can be resolved through pharmaceutical assistance and enforcement by the professionals involved, emphasizing the importance of correct and continuous treatment, bringing efficacy, safety, and comfort to the patient. It is concluded that low adherence to Adjuvant Hormone Therapy in the treatment of breast cancer is of great importance due to the high mortality rate from the disease. The study found that the level of education has a very high relevance to treatment adherence, as the lower the level of education, the greater the likelihood of not understanding the seriousness and the problem. Even when treatment proves effective, regional, demographic, and patient healthcare differences stand out, and the pharmacist's role is crucial in facilitating and guiding the medical team. Coordinated actions between healthcare professionals, researchers, managers, and policymakers are necessary to define the best way to change statistics and improve patients' quality of life.