OBJECTIVES: To explore the health and daily life unsatisfied needs present during the therapeutic trajectory of adult patients (TTP) with breast cancer in Chile, according to the experiences and perceptions of patients who live with the condition.

METHODS: Case-study qualitative design was carried out, using the qualitative research approach. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult patients living with breast cancer. Recruitment strategies included social networks, civil society organizations and health professionals, following a snowball technique. Thematic analysis of all (n=20) interviews was carried out. UDDs scientific ethics committee approved this study.

RESULTS: We identified unsatisfied needs in different stages of TTP. Five areas of unsatisfied needs were identified throughout the TTP: psychological support, support for family and significant others, comprehensive care, effective communication, and social support. Four additional unsatisfied needs were identified particularly during the treatment stage: sexuality and cancer, nutritional support, prophylactic mastectomy, and access to medications; and two additional unsatisfied needs were identified during the follow-up stage: physical and occupational rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS: Investigating unsatisfied needs in breast cancer care processes is essential to achieve a comprehensive healthcare model for breast cancer in Chile. A comprehensive healthcare should incorporate different perspectives, especially the voice of cancer patients throughout the process. An interdisciplinary approach to healthcare is essential to improve health systems performance and delivery at point of care in cancer patients and their significant ones.