The Moment of Diagnosis and the Difficulties Encountered by Pediatric Oncologists in the Treatment of Cancer in Belo Horizonte

Abstract

The perception and reaction of a child towards the disease are influenced by the attitude of parents which, in turn, is determined by the doctor's attitude towards the disease and treatment. The objective of this article is to describe the time of notification of the diagnosis of childhood cancer to the patient and family and the main difficulties faced by pediatric oncologists in the treatment of children with cancer. As a criterion for choosing individuals for the interviews, the oncologists had to have specialization or residency in Pediatric Oncology. 5 oncologists were interviewed. The interviews were semi-structured and recorded with the permission of the interviewees and the analysis of the material was made by examining issues. This analysis allowed the identification of three broad categories in relation to time to confirm the diagnosis of childhood cancer and the difficulties encountered in the treatment of the disease: 1) The truth must be said to both children and parents; 2) The difficulties encountered in the organization and structure of the department of oncology; 3) The issue of humanization. The communication of the diagnosis is a delicate instance for the patient, family and doctors. The oncologist, for his role as keeper of knowledge, must offer parents the necessary understanding about the disease so that they can handle the disease and treatment of the child without suffering they generate themselves. Regarding the difficulties encountered by doctors in the treatment of cancer, the SUS have to be an accomplice in the promotion of health, prevention and treatment of diseases.