Construindo o significado do câncer de mama: a experiência de mulheres mastectomizadas.

Abstract

Cancer is a disease characterized by loss of control of cell division and the ability of these cells to divide and invade other regions organic. In the brazilian women is the type of cancer that causes more deaths, but i f detected early there are high chances of cure. It is often detected late, generating treatments mutilating women as the partial or total breast cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Moreover, cancer is a disease surrounded by stigma and is often associated with death. The diagnosis of cancer brings negative feelings including uncertainty, insecurity and fear. To that end, this research aims to construct the meaning of breast cancer from the experience of women with mastectomies. We interviewed 24 women users of the Network of Women Against Cancer, aged between 34 and 74, who filled out a form of identification and participated in the interview, a third time brought home a diary in which to record the experience at home with the disease. Statements were identified in categories where the most frequently mentioned were: "Characterizing the disease", "Dealing with negative feelings" and "Belief in a Supreme Being". For each category was apparent the construction of the meaning of breast cancer through the testimony of these women. It was found that women seeking an illness characterized the question for her or associating with the signs and symptoms silent; Living with negative feelings was another visible, where the depression, anxiety and fear have shaped this second category; The belief in a Supreme Being was present in the discourse of patients throughout the research, we can see in their statements that it is the hope of healing these women to sustain and nourish their life expectancy. Even patients who responded were not practicing their religion were the importance of faith in a Supreme Being. Thus, it was possible to see some variables that act in the post-mastectomy, which contributes to performance of health professionals. In this context, the challenge for health professionals is the ability for motivation of women who had mastectomies in order to provide emotional stability to cope with their troubles.