BREAST CANCER: THE ROLE OF NURSES IN CARE FOR ONCOLOGICAL PATIENT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cases in the world, generally affecting women over fifty. A single specific cause for breast cancer has not yet been identified, as it involves a combination of hormonal, genetic, and possibly environmental events that can lead to the development of this neoplasm. The prognosis of a cancer patient depends mainly on early diagnosis, therapeutic planning, treatment and specific care, which makes the professional nurse an active participant in this entire process. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the role of nurses in cancer patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an integrative, descriptive review with a qualitative approach. There were six steps: establishment of the research topic, literature search, categorization of studies, evaluation of included studies, interpretation of results and presentation of researched reviews in the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Academic Google, Ministry of Health, Latin American Literature and Caribbean in Health Sciences (LILACS), from 2016 to 2020, totaling thirty-five articles. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: It is understood that the Nurse is essential in the care of cancer patients through nursing consultations, planning of therapeutic planning as a preventive method, application of chemotherapy, treatment of effects, monitoring of vital signs, in addition to referrals to other sectors and a multidisciplinary team. Primary prevention is related to the control of risk factors, mainly not related to lifestyle and early diagnosis. This early detection and prompt initiation of breast cancer treatment is what actually reduces the cancer mortality rate. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The nurse has the role of educator and coordinator of prevention, diagnosis and treatment actions for women with breast cancer, having the competence to offer patient care and the ability to treat this cancer through lectures, campaigns for exams, prevention and treatment guidelines, disseminating the importance of early diagnosis, aiming to reduce new cases and female mortality.