Estratégias para promoção da resiliência com mulheres sobreviventes ao câncer de mama.

Abstract

Resilience is defined as the human capacity to overcome adverse situations such as cancer, being mediated by the relation between risk and protective factors. W omen who are breast cancer survivors need to adapt themselves to the new reality, being resilient independently of the cancer degree. Thus, knowing the factors present in the process, is the key to build intervention plans in order to minimize risks and strengthen protective effects of resilience for these women. Based on these, the aim of this study was to construct strategies for promoting resilience in survivors of breast cancer. This is a qualitative study with care approach. The subjects of the study were three women, breast cancer survivors, and low degree of resilience. Data collection occurred from August to December 2013 in the participants' house. This research was developed in three stages: in the first one, a semi-structured interview was conducted with issues related to build the resilience process; in the second one, after the interviews transcribed and analyzed, the risk and protective factors were identified and an action plan with strategies that would benefit th e process of resilience was proposed for the participants; Finally, in the third moment, these strategies were implemented along with the participants. In this context, the results showed that the support of family, spirituality, individual characteristics such as self -esteem, autonomy and self-confidence are protective factors. However, considering the risk factors, there are important differences. According to one of the participants, the lack of information about cancer and the difficulty in self-care are the factors that compromise her resilience, so it was sought to clarify her doubts through educational materials and dialogues about cancer and boost her self-esteem and self-care. For another participant, social isolation and inactivity resulting from illness also make her resilience difficult, and intervention plan envisioned encourage recreational activity in her routine, like crafts and physical activity strengthening protective factors such as autonomy and creativity. Thus, it was sought to minimize risk and strengthen the participants' capabilities through an intervention plan, in other words, their protective factors. It is believed that resilience can be promoted favoring overcomi ng adversity such as breast cancer, and consequently improve the quality of life. Therefore, strategies to promote resilience should be valued and encouraged by professionals and health services caring for people who are facing difficulties and seeking to overcome them.