When the Cordel Literature Unties the Vocal Cords and Release the Song of the Chest: the Social Representations of Breast Cancer in the Poetics of Brazilian Cordel Authors

Abstract

Introduction: Given the estimated number of 52.680 new cases of breast cancer for 2012-2013, there is a tendency to emphasize the preventive actions in Brazil, which requires objective communication between experts and laypeople. Cordel Literature, when used as a communication vehicle inserted in the context of the individuals to whom they are intended to address the information, is adopted here as a data source. Objective: To identify and analyze the social representations of breast cancer in the narrative of Brazilian Cordel authors, establishing relations between the common sense discourse and the discourse of oncology, in order to improve the interaction between experts and laypeople. Method: This research was conducted between January and February, 2013. It is a descriptive qualitative study, with methodological procedures and techniques based on principles of Discourse Analysis. Results: The categories prevention, treatment and illness were sectioned in subcategories: self-awareness, sublimation by breastfeeding, warning / exhortation, social mobilization, change and regularity, belief in technology, risk factors, diagnostic and confrontation, belief in science, social benefits, accessibility, change and irregularity, religion, solidarity, aesthetics and female self-esteem, scientific effectiveness, socioeconomic condition social and political critics. From the 32 discursive clippings, 7 were grouped in the category prevention, 13 in illness category, and 12 in the treatment category, resulting in an interpretative analysis with three main directions: prevention as a social responsibility; illness as a determinant of awareness, treatment as a collective confrontation. Conclusion: Cordel Literature can be a powerful mean of encouraging prevention practices. However, as a literary genre and imagistic fantasy, requires caution and prudence as to statements disclosed.