title: [Reinventing life: a proposal for a socio-anthropological approach to breast cancer].
abstract: This paper analyzes social representations of breast cancer and discusses the possibility of including symbolic aspects in the approach to this disease. The methodology is based on both a critical review of the theme (highlighting socio-anthropological issues) and the authors' experience in the field of oncology. The paper thus focuses on: (a) historical aspects of clinical and surgical approaches to breast cancer; (b) theoretical discussion of socially-constructed representations of cancer; and (c) incorporation of the symbolic dimension when dealing with women with breast cancer. The authors conclude that health care policy for women with breast cancer should consider both improvements in technical services and the symbolic dimension involved in living with this disease.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22250-020, Brasil. romeu@ccard.com.br
authors.forename: Romeu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Márcia Marília Vargas Fróes
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Skaba
authors.forename: Roberto José da Silva
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Vieira
mesh_terms: D000883:Anthropology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D013561:Symbolism