QUALITY OF LIFE OF ONCOLOGICAL PATIENTS: PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF CANCER

Cancer has a profound impact on patients’ lives, requiring approaches that go beyond physical treatment to include psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. This narrative review explores how these aspects influence the quality of life of cancer patients, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary and humanized approach. Studies indicate that cancer diagnosis and treatment often generate high levels of anxiety and depression, aggravated by bodily changes and stigmas, affecting self-esteem and social interaction. Social and family support are identified as essential for coping, while spirituality offers comfort and resilience, promoting adaptation and acceptance. The review also emphasizes the need for public policies that ensure access to comprehensive and humanized support, such as home care programs and training of professionals for emotional and spiritual care. It is concluded that comprehensive cancer care is essential for a full quality of life and for healthy coping with cancer.