Effective psychological intervention for breast cancer patients in Latin America and Spain: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to identify the evidence available in the Latin America and Spain scientific literature about the effective psychological intervention for breast cancer, between 2006 and 2016. Method: The databases included were BVS and PsycNetAPA, using the following descriptors: breast cancer, psychological interventions, psychooncology, and psychotherapy, in English and Spanish. The search was also done in Google Academics with the descriptors: “Cáncer de mama and intervenciones psicológicas”, in Spanish. Results: Only 17 articles were found that met our inclusion criteria and showed the evidence of psychological intervention for breast cancer patient in Latin América and Spain between 2006 and 2016. The theoretical model most frequently applied was CBT, followed by other types of psychosocial intervention. Nevertheless, other novel models to these population were also found. Limits in the methodology of these investigation were identified, which hinders the generalization of results. Conclusions: More research with according methodology design to prove the efficacy of a psychological intervention for breast cancer patient, is very much needed in Latin America and Spain.