[How the family acts regarding the health-disease process of a family member with breast cancer].
Qualitative study performed with ten relatives of cancer patients in two clinics located in Feira de Santana-BA, aiming at analyzing how the family thinks, feels, and acts concerning the disease. Data was collected by means of a semi-structured interview and analyzed by dialectic hermeneutics. Results showed that most interviewees associated cancer and death, and the first reaction concerning the disease was unexpected, with a feeling that "the world has fallen". With time, there appeared hope, solidarity and faith to face the disease; however, they regarded emotional support as critical for the treatment. Family experience regarding breast cancer was seen as a "life change" in individuals, in emotional, religious and biological terms. Such changes showed the need for support groups to help patients and their relatives to face the disease.
Araújo
Jorgéria da Silva
Jda S
Curso de Enfermagem da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS).
do Nascimento
Maria Angela Alves
MA
D001943:Breast Neoplasms; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic