Netnographic research on the importance of spirituality and religiosity after the diagnosis of breast cancer

Introduction: Breast cancer affects women of different age groups, generating feelings of fear, anguish and insecurity in the face of the diagnosis. In this context, spirituality and religiosity help in coping with the disease. Objective: To analyze the perception of women about the importance of spirituality and religiosity after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Methodology: This is a netnographic research carried out on the website “Oncoguia”, by reading the testimonies of patients diagnosed with breast cancer, who, in the report of their experience, had some word or brief phrases that referred to spirituality and/or or religiosity. Data collection took place through the reading of several testimonies, excluding those that did not contemplate the object of study of this research. Content analysis in the thematic modality was used to analyze the selected statements, allowing the identification of two themes. The data were interpreted, from a netnographic perspective, from theories that deal with spirituality/religiosity in coping with diseases, emerging the themes: feelings at the time of diagnosis and spirituality/religiosity and adherence to treatment. Results: Twenty (20) reports were selected. The analysis themes are about "feelings at the time of diagnosis" and "spirituality/religiosity and adherence to treatment". It was observed that faith and spirituality help in coping with the disease, increasing strength and hope in healing, both for women and for their families. Conclusions: Spirituality/religiosity should be better explored and strengthened in the process of coping with breast cancer. Knowledge of this perspective helps in oncology treatment strategies.