Objective: to reflect on the possibility of basing nursing care provided to women with breast cancer on
Hildegard Peplau's theory. Method: descriptive study with reflective analysis on the applicability of the theory
of interpersonal relationships for the qualification of nursing care provided to women with breast cancer.
Results: in spite of being a theory developed in the 1950s, it evokes the discussion on current issues
enhancing the dialogical relationship and listening to patients, considering crucial to understand their
sociocultural context and to recognize their singularities and the need to make them co-participative in their
treatment. Conclusion: the issues evoked by Hildegard Peplau are relevant and able to guide nursing care
provided to woman with breast cancer. Descritores: Breast Neoplasias; Nursing Theory; Nursing Care.