ecancermedicalscience

Research

Coping and family functionality in women with diabetes and breast cancer

12 Mar 2026
María Valeria Jiménez-Báez, Sofía Concepción Thomas-Gómez, Gabriel González-Guerrero, David Rojano-Mejía, Eduardo Patricio Achurra-Godinez

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death in Mexican women. Comorbidity with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for complications.

Objective: To evaluate the evolution of family functionality and coping in patients with BC and T2DM after 4 years of diagnosis.

Method: Longitudinal cohort study in women with BC and T2DM in Quintana Roo. Admission at the time of confirmed diagnosis of BC, discharge at 6 years of evolution. We studied: family function, coping, clinical, family and metabolic control variables.

Results: 65 women, of whom 18 concluded the study. Family functionality (FF-SIL) 51.1 versus 44.72. Coping level: Problem solving 4.66% (0,10.8) versus 6.2% (5.6,44.4); Self-criticism 24.6% (14.9,33.8) versus 4.6% (0,34.9); Emotional expression 21.5% (11,32.3) versus 4.6% (0,38.9); Desiderative thinking 26.2% (14.9,37. 4) versus 1.5% (0.18.3); Social support 4.6% (0.11) versus 1.5% (0.18.3); Cognitive restructuring 3.1% (0.9.7) versus 4.6% (0.38. 9); Problem avoidance 6.2% (1.5,13.8) versus 3.1% (0,27.8); Social withdrawal 9.2% (1.5,20.4) versus 1.5% (0,22.2) p = >0.5.

Conclusion: The level of coping worsens over 4 years of evolution. Patients maintain their autonomy in decision making within the family. At diagnosis, families adapt; however, with the evolution, they infer sequelae of family health.

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