Breast cancer and female homosexuality

An integrative literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2021.2.36109

Keywords:

breast neoplasms, women, homosexuality, sexual orientation, literature review

Abstract

Due to advances in cancer treatments, the survival of breast neoplasms patients has increased significantly, which requires the need to understand its psychosocial aspects. Gender differences and sexual orientation favor the occurrence of inequalities within health services. This study aimed to analyze the national and international scientific production on variables related to the health of lesbian women with breast cancer. The bibliographic survey was conducted from the LILACS, PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases. Twenty articles published from 2007 to 2017 were selected. The analysis allowed to outline the themes: physical and psychological repercussions of treatment, coping, risks of morbidity and mortality, quality of life, menopause and population-based studies. The literature explores how the disease and treatment have a different impact on the quality of life of lesbian women affected by breast cancer. This knowledge is essential to support care sensitive to the needs of minority segments of the population.

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Author Biographies

Carolina de Souza, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Mestra e doutoranda em Psicologia pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP), na Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, em Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Manoel Antônio dos Santos, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Doutor e mestre em Psicologia Clínica pelo Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), em São Paulo, SP, Brasil; professor titular do Departamento de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), na Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, em Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

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Published

2021-07-15

How to Cite

de Souza, C., & dos Santos, M. A. (2021). Breast cancer and female homosexuality: An integrative literature review. Psico, 52(2), e36109. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2021.2.36109

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