FACTORS INHIBITING CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer requires chemotherapy treatment for survival in patients with advanced stages or metastasis. Chemotherapy is a primary treatment modality aimed at destroying or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells remaining after surgery. However, many patients are unable to complete chemotherapy regimens on schedule, resulting in decreased treatment effectiveness and increased risk of recurrence. Methods: Scientific articles were obtained from electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, covering publications between 2017 and 2025. Results: A review of eight articles meeting the inclusion criteria revealed that key inhibiting factors include psychological conditions (such as anxiety and depression), economic burden, chemotherapy side effects, lack of social support, and ineffective communication and education from health workers. Conclusions: This study concludes that multidimensional interventions are needed to improve chemotherapy adherence, including psychosocial empowerment, financial assistance, and enhanced therapeutic communication between patients and healthcare providers.