Os impactos da dor na qualidade de vida de pacientes em acompanhamento terapêutico para câncer de mama

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms among women and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In addition to its physical implications, the disease causes psychological suffering and significantly compromises patients' quality of life. Pain is one of the factors that negatively influences this quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pain on the quality of life of women undergoing or who have completed treatment for breast cancer, receiving care from support institutions in the city of Chapecó/SC. This is a qualitative and quantitative study with an observational, cross-sectional design, carried out with women monitored by the Rede Feminina de Combate ao Câncer de Chapecó and the Ação Social Diocesana. Data collection was performed through individual interviews using an identification form and part of the Br-MPQ questionnaire (Brazilian version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire). Data analysis employed qualitative methods (including word clouds) and quantitative methods using descriptive statistics. The sample consisted of 15 participants, with a mean age of 55 years. Results showed that many participants adopted both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to manage pain. A predominance of localized deep pain was observed, especially in the right upper limb. It was found that patients who had completed treatment more frequently reported pain of minimal intensity (p=0.02). The analysis revealed that pain significantly interfered with work, leisure, and household activities, as well as negatively impacting sleep. Despite this, most participants did not report negative impacts on their social relationships due to breast cancer. In the self-assessment, although pain was considered difficult to tolerate, feelings of usefulness, life satisfaction, and absence of illness perception predominated. These findings reinforce the multidimensional nature of pain experience, in line with the literature that highlights the need for a comprehensive clinical approach. Pain, in the context of breast cancer, should not be treated as an isolated symptom but as a factor that compromises the woman's experience in multiple aspects. Therefore, it is essential to adopt humanized and individualized interventions that promote effective communication with the healthcare team and respect patients' perceptions and preferences.