The construction of knowledge in Social Work in oncology: the contribution of INCA's specialization course

Abstract

Since the beginning of the end of the nineteenth century, Social Work has participated in the construction of knowledge related to human beings, their social relations, and the confrontation of social questions in various areas. The area of health has stood out as being the greatest area of professional practice, with questions related to women's, children's, and mental health having already been well discussed. Nevertheless, the discussion about the question of cancer is still new. In 2000, INCA, the department of the Ministry of Health responsible both for the production of knowledge and the education of human resources in Oncology, began a Specialization Course in Social Work in Oncology with these objectives. One of the requirements to gain the diploma is the preparation of a course paper. These papers have contributed to the building of knowledge in Social Work in Oncology, reflecting theoretical categories, discussing practice, and analysing public policies in health. This paper is based on documentary research of the monographs presented by professionals from this course and has the objective of discussing the scientific contribution of the first three class groups, focusing on the object of the studies, the methodology used, and the areas of practice in Oncology. In a descriptive approach, 23 monographs, which were already finished, were analysed. The object of reflection of all the monographs was the practice developed in the different units of INCA, focusing on the operation of assistance, palliation, and health policies, taking patients, relatives, and professionals as subjects. They reflect on the complexity and specificity of this operation.