Concerns and Coping Mechanisms of Breast Cancer Survivor Women from Asia: A Scoping Review

Background: The incidence of breast cancer has increased significantly in Asia due to epidemiological transition and changes in human development indices. Advancement in medical technology has improved prognosis with a resultant increase in survivorship issues. The effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are influenced by patients’ cultural beliefs and social systems. This scoping review aims to summarise concerns and coping mechanisms of women with breast cancer in Asia and understand gaps in the existing literature. Methods We performed a scoping review using the population-concept-context strategy. A systematic search of Medline (PubMed, Web of Science), CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Embase was conducted for studies on breast cancer patients from Asian countries, identifying their concerns and coping means, published between January 2011 and January 2021. Data from included studies was reported using frequencies and percentages. Results We included 163 articles for review. Most (81%) studies were conducted in hospital settings. Emotional and psychological concerns were reported by 80% of studies, followed by physical appearance and body-image concerns in 46%. Social support (59%), emotion-based coping (46%), spirituality and problem-based coping (37%) were the major coping systems documented. Conclusion The mapped literature documented that anxiety, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence dominated women’s emotional concerns. Women coped with the help of social support, positive reappraisal, and faith in God and religion. Sensitization of caregivers, including healthcare professionals and family members, to context-specific concerns and inquiry into the patients’ available support systems is essential in strengthening the breast cancer women’s recovery and coping.