Psychosocial Repercussions and Challenges in Accessing Healthcare for Young Women With Breast Cancer in Brazil: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer in young women is a complex experience that goes beyond biomedical treatment, involves challenges in accessing healthcare, and has psychosocial and relational repercussions. Despite the growing recognition of these dimensions, qualitative studies exploring these experiences in the Brazilian context are still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to explore the psychosocial repercussions and challenges in accessing healthcare for young women who are breast cancer survivors in the Brazilian context.

METHODS

A qualitative and descriptive study was conducted using individual semi-structured interviews, carried out via videoconference, between April and October 2025. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed according to the Thematic Analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke.

RESULTS

Participants included 14 young women (18-40 years old), who were diagnosed with breast cancer and had completed treatment within the last 5 years. Thematic analysis identified four main themes: (1) disease trajectory after cancer diagnosis; (2) tension between assistance and abandonment in the support network; (3) challenges in access to and response from health services; and (4) adjustment process to the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast cancer in young women is a complex experience that goes beyond biomedical treatment, affecting emotional, relational and social dimensions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Our findings reinforce the need for integrated, age-sensitive, and person-centered care practices that recognize young women as active agents in the process of coping with and adapting to their disease.

IMPACT: The findings from your study have important clinical, social and policy-level implications, particularly for improving palliative and survivorship care among young women with breast cancer.

REPORTING METHOD: The study followed the COREQ checklist.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: None.