Problems of strain and coping of breast cancer patients--demands on nursing concepts of care

Abstract

Over the last decades the number of breast cancer patients has dramatically increased. Attention has been drawn especially in research literature in the field of psychological medicine to the patients ' severe problems of strain and coping. In comparison to that, at least German intervention research in nursing science has to make up for lost time. This essay is, above all, a report on research literature. It summarizes study findings concerning emotional and physical problems associated with the disease and treatment for breast cancer. They result in a need for nursing care and support. Some practical conclusions for the nursing profession will be drawn in order to evolve comprehensive concepts of care both at a cognitive-emotional and tactile level of perception.