Women with Breast Cancer: the Meanings of Social Issues During the Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common malignant neoplasm in women worldwide and the main tumor concerning to deaths of Brazilian women. This finding may be attributed to the high number of diagnosis in advanced stage. In this case, one of the available treatments is the neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which causes many side effects, including impacts in social life. Objective: To identify the meanings of social issues mentioned by female patients diagnosed with malignant breast cancer, during their neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment at National Cancer Institute. Method: This is a qualitative study, based on the analysis and interpretation of “hermeneutic-dialectic”. There were conducted 10 semi-structured surveys with users with breast cancer who were enrolled at National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA) in 2012, and who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results: The central role of women in family structures and the process of feminization of poverty were aspects that stood out in the study. Conclusion: It was realized that the reflections of the phenomena that affect women in the world nowadays are even more decisive when they have passed through a chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. We believe that public policies that support these women are needed in order to enable them the access to comprehensive health care, once we understand that the guarantee of social and financial support are central to the main goal which is the promotion of health.