Objective: Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers among women, not only results in significant physical changes but also causes considerable emotional distress and disruptions in social roles and relationships. While depression is the most commonly observed psychiatric disorder in cancer patients, there is a lack of sufficient research on the effectiveness, potential drug interactions, and side effects of antidepressants in this population. This gap underscores the increasing need for non-pharmacological approaches, such as psychotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in addressing psychosocial challenges faced by breast cancer patients.
Methods: This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024576746). A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid MEDLINE. The review was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines. Study selection and data extraction were independently performed by two researchers using the Covidence platform. Disagreements were resolved through discussion to reach consensus.
Results: Four studies (two randomized controlled trials [RCTs], two pilots) met inclusion criteria. IPT significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, with some studies also reporting improvements in quality of life. One study showed strong effect sizes (Cohen's d > 1.0) for depression. Telephone-based IPT was feasible and beneficial. Findings support IPT as an effective psychosocial intervention for breast cancer patients.
Conclusion: IPT appears to be an effective intervention for reducing anxiety and depression and enhancing quality of life in patients with breast cancer. However, further high-quality, large-scale RCTs are needed to strengthen the evidence base and confirm its clinical utility.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the ruminative thoughts experienced by oncology nurses, examine their impact on both personal and professional life, and identify the coping strategies employed in the context of cancer care.
Methods: This inductive qualitative study employed in-depth interviews with 20 oncology nurses, conducted between March and July 2021, and utilized content analysis for data analyze.
Results: The main theme identified was Ruminative thoughts and coping strategies of oncology nurses. It highlighted how oncology nurses' ruminative thoughts, driven by patient losses, fears of inadequacy, and cancer-related anxieties, affect their mental well-being and personal growth. The main theme is built upon the subthemes "Confronting professional and personal realities," "Redefining self and values," and "Overcoming strategies."
Conclusions: This study reveals that oncology nurses' ruminative thoughts, driven by patient deaths, treatment inadequacy, and cancer fears, lead to mental fatigue but also foster personal growth. Coping strategies like distraction, thought suppression, and adopting a commitment to excellence mindset help them manage these challenges.
Implications for nursing practice: Awareness of ruminative thoughts and the implementation of interventions such as resilience training, mindfulness-based practices, and team-based care approaches can reduce mental fatigue among nurses, enhancing their well-being and the quality of care they provide.

