Percepção da doença e de risco e autocuidado para a detecção precoce do câncer de mama no contexto da saúde pública

Abstract

This master thesis is composed of two articles resulting from theoretical and empirical research on the psychological and behavioral aspects that may contribute to the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. The first study (Section I) corresponds to a systematic review article entitled "Self-Regulation Model for Health and breast cancer: a systematic review of literature." In this study, we reviewed 12 international articles found on the topic and published in the last ten years. Studies have shown that an inadequate perception of the disease can lead to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and distress. The second article entitled "Illness perception and risk and self-care for the early detection of breast cancer" (Section II) presents and discusses the results of research on the perception of breast cancer in healthy women and its implications for self-care and prevention. The sample consisted of 211 women over 40 years with no personal history of breast cancer. It was observed that there is a relationship between perceived risk and disease, and self-care in healthy women. The results indicated that women more educated and younger showed awareness of the disease and risk adjusted. Women with no family history perceived as cyclical disease and believed that most understand the CM. It is identified that psychological aspects, symptoms, age, education and family history should be included in the design of early detection campaigns CM.