Religiosity and Spirituality of Women with Breast Cancer Submitted yo Surgical Treatment

Abstract

 Abstract Objective: To understand the importance of spirituality and religiosity in the experience of women with breast cancer undergoing surgical treatment. Method: The qualitative approach and the Bardin content analysis technique were used. It counted on the participation of 13 women. The data were collected through the digitally recorded audio interview and was guided by the question: How was it, in your opinion, to face the disease from diagnosis to surgical treatment, focusing on its spirituality and religiosity? Results: Content analysis demonstrated the importance of spirituality and religiosity in the coping and surgical treatment of cancer and determined the categories: Faith as a foundation; Religious practice; Sickness and death as God's determination; God as source of strength and hope; Moments of anger towards God; The healing attributed by God as grace and miracle; Proximity to belief in face of the illness; The importance of a holistic look at nursing. Final Thoughts: Breast cancer affects not only the physical dimension of women, but the emotional aspects, their social and family network. In this sense, religiosity and spirituality were alternatives sought by women to face the disease, while faith provided the hope of healing.

Keywords: Breast neoplasms; Religion; Spirituality.