Women facing breast cancer

Abstract

Existent gaps in the health care directed to women diagnosed with breast cancer motivated this qualitative research carried out in a hospital specialized in cancer treatment in the city of Juiz de Fora-MG. Thirteen women undergoing chemo and radiotherapy treatments were interviewed between January and February 2010. A comprehensive analysis revealedthe following meaning units:"diagnosis communication";"denying or acceptingthe diagnosis";"fear, disbelief and hope"; "professional, family and religious support". The knowledge about the illness, the diagnosis, and the purpose of treatment revealed the conflicts facing the patient's acceptance or denial of the experience. Although the suffering caused by the disease and the treatment adverse effects, the women feel the need to carry on with the treatment to prolong their life expectancy. A multi-disciplinary care is relevant in this context and, above all, a nursing care that values the uniqueness of women that are diagnosed with breast cancer.