# The Invisible Burden: Structural and Emotional Barriers to Nutritional Care in Mexican Breast Cancer Patients

## TL;DR

This study explores the challenges Mexican breast cancer patients face in receiving proper nutritional care, including health system issues and emotional barriers.

## Contribution

The study identifies unique structural and emotional barriers to nutritional care in the Mexican context, offering insights for policy and treatment improvements.

## Key findings

- Structural health system issues hinder adequate nutritional care for breast cancer patients.
- Emotional and identity-related challenges impact the effectiveness of nutritional therapy.
- Misinformation and daily life implications complicate adherence to nutritional strategies.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer globally and is also the leading cause of death from malignant tumors among women. This study investigated the experiences of women with breast cancer concerning nutritional care. Methods: A qualitative study conducted in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with women undergoing treatment and with survivors of breast cancer. Data were analyzed using basic grounded theory procedures. Results: Our findings revealed several barriers that hinder adequate nutritional care for women with breast cancer in Mexico. Key barriers include the structure of the health system, misinformation, the implications of the disease in daily life, medical treatment of the disease, the emotional impact, and changes in their perceived identity. The experiences of individuals with any disease, particularly chronic illnesses such as cancer, affect the implementation and follow-up of nutritional therapy. Conclusions: Consideration of these experiences is essential for creating policies and strategies focused on nutritional care that complement the treatment of breast cancer sufferers. Additionally, specialized nutrition personnel should form part of the comprehensive treatment of the disease.