Knowledge and indications of mindfulness practices among breast surgeons: results of a survey conducted in Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29289/2594539420240026Keywords:
breast neoplasms, mindfulness, breast, surgeons, knowledgeAbstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most prevalent neoplasm affecting women in the world. The risk of mental disorders in cancer patients is about 30% higher, with a 21% prevalence of depression and anxiety. A complementary and integrative technique of psychic support is mindfulness practice. Objective: To assess breast surgeons’ knowledge of mindfulness practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the knowledge and indication of this practice among Brazilian breast surgeons was carried out through an electronic questionnaire. Results: A total of 204 surgeons answered the survey. Of them, 76% reported having some knowledge or knowledge of the existence of these practices and 15% were completely unaware of mindfulness practices. The vast majority (n=177; 86.8%) did not refer any patients to perform mindfulness, and among those who did (n=27; 13.2%), most recommended fewer than ten patients in the last year. Despite including a significant sample of professionals working in oncological and academic institutions, nearly all cited not having full knowledge of mindfulness practices and their impacts, which may reflect the higher numbers of patients not being referred. Conclusion: Data from this study may indicate that training and dissemination of these practices are necessary among breast surgeons.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Paulo Gustavo Tenório do Amaral, Francisco Pimentel Cavalcante, Giuliano Tavares Tosello, Daniel de Araújo Brito Buttros
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