Analysis of the Demands and Scenarios of Support for Cancer Survivors: Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer survival is a process beginning at diagnosis and continuing for life, bringing a series of additional health challenges. Objective: To analyze the demands and the care model to support cancer survivors. Method: Study of integrative literature review through search of articles published between January 2015 and March 2020 in the databases LILACS, MEDLINE, IBECS, SciELO and Cochrane Library about demands and support scenarios for cancer survivors. Results: Ninety articles were found, 20 of which are consistent with the objective of the study. The structure necessary to support the cancer survivor is multiple, and it includes: hospitals, cancer centers and spaces in the community. There was unanimity in meeting the needs of patients requiring clinical and educational interventions. Studies point out multidisciplinary performance, with the presence of symptoms in the physical, psychological, and socioecological domains. The role of the nurse was mentioned by 19 studies and involves clinical care up to coordination and initiatives related to counseling and guidance to change behaviors that are harmful to health. It was found that 8 studies cited the American Society of Clinical Oncology, as the guiding entity for the interventions. Conclusion: Survivors demands include clinical follow-up, psychological support, primary care guidelines and a healthy lifestyle. The support networks should be extensive, conducted mainly by nurses, based on guidelines supported by scientific evidence and/or specialized entities focused to symptoms related to the physical, psychological, and socioecological domains.