Psychological and social factors influencing quality of life during treatment in active breast cancer patients and psychological interventions: a systematic review

Abstract

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent oncological diseases among women, with its treatment exerting a substantial impact not only on physical health but also on psychological and social well-being. The present systematic review aims to identify the psychological and social factors that influence the quality of life (QoL) of women undergoing active breast cancer treatment. Additionally, it evaluates a range of psychological interventions designed to improve emotional well-being and compares their effectiveness in addressing specific psychosocial needs. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was carried out across multiple databases—including Web of Science, Scopus, Dialnet, and ProQuest—between March 1 and March 27, 2025. The final sample comprised 15 studies published between 2014 and 2025, encompassing a total of 1,375 participants. The findings indicate that psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and behavioural activation contribute to significant improvements in emotional well-being and, in many cases, overall quality of life. However, several methodological limitations were identified across the reviewed studies, most notably the absence of long-term follow-up assessments and substantial heterogeneity in the measurement instruments employed. These limitations restrict the comparability of findings and underscore the need for more rigorous and standardized research designs. In conclusion, psychological interventions constitute a key component in the comprehensive management of breast cancer. Their systematic integration into healthcare protocols has the potential to markedly enhance patients’ quality of life, supporting a more holistic and person-centered approach to oncological care.