Effectiveness of Coping Strategies for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Disciplines
Health and Medical Administration | Other Mental and Social Health | Quality Improvement
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Background: Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women, is a diagnosis that often brings negative feelings. Necessary treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care. Despite advancements, it is in our best interest, as healthcare providers, to fulfill overall wellness including the patient’s quality of life as described by optimistic outlooks on self-esteem, body image, and self-efficacy. This systematic literature review explores the effectiveness of coping strategies for women with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: The review was conducted through the following databases: Academic Search Complete, Gale Academic OneFile, Google Scholar, and follows the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model. Search terms, “metastatic breast cancer,” “quality of life,” “self-esteem,” and “coping mechanisms,” were used. Exclusions were non-metastatic breast cancer, underdeveloped countries, and articles that were non-scholarly, not peer reviewed, and not within the past 5 years. Results (Still pending): 24 articles are still under review, with preliminary themes including higher self-efficacy associated with physical activity and less depressive symptoms associated with positive coping mechanisms. Additionally, social support is threaded throughout the articles. For most women, the need to live life as they did prior to their diagnosis is their goal: the want for a “normal” life. Conclusion: This information can be used throughout nursing practice to help guide, educate, and support women with metastatic breast cancer diagnoses Final results will be displayed at the Symposium for Student Scholars.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Doreen Wagner
Effectiveness of Coping Strategies for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Background: Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women, is a diagnosis that often brings negative feelings. Necessary treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care. Despite advancements, it is in our best interest, as healthcare providers, to fulfill overall wellness including the patient’s quality of life as described by optimistic outlooks on self-esteem, body image, and self-efficacy. This systematic literature review explores the effectiveness of coping strategies for women with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: The review was conducted through the following databases: Academic Search Complete, Gale Academic OneFile, Google Scholar, and follows the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model. Search terms, “metastatic breast cancer,” “quality of life,” “self-esteem,” and “coping mechanisms,” were used. Exclusions were non-metastatic breast cancer, underdeveloped countries, and articles that were non-scholarly, not peer reviewed, and not within the past 5 years. Results (Still pending): 24 articles are still under review, with preliminary themes including higher self-efficacy associated with physical activity and less depressive symptoms associated with positive coping mechanisms. Additionally, social support is threaded throughout the articles. For most women, the need to live life as they did prior to their diagnosis is their goal: the want for a “normal” life. Conclusion: This information can be used throughout nursing practice to help guide, educate, and support women with metastatic breast cancer diagnoses Final results will be displayed at the Symposium for Student Scholars.