Abstract

DUARTE, Itala Villaça  and  GALVAO, Iolanda de Assis. Cancer in adolescence and its psychosocial effects: perceptions of patients. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2014, vol.17, n.1, pp. 26-48. ISSN 1516-0858.

In adolescence, a period of transformation and discoveries in a personality building process, being diagnosed with cancer brings emotional impactand psychosocial changes. Considering that, this article aims to understand the illness process and the psychosocial repercussions the perception of patients who underwent cancer treatment during the adolescence period. It is a qualitative research conducted with 25 patients from a High Complexity Oncology Center, located in Southern Brazil. The data collection was conducted through semi structured inter views and the data analysis was conducted using the theory of Content Analysis proposed by Bardin. From the patients speeches four main categories of responses were built: Diagnostic Communication and possible reactions; perception and hospitalization; Interpersonal relationships; Aftercare life and its memories. Such categories show that the impact and psychosocial changes are often unavoidable, but can be minimized when professionals understand the perceptions and difficulties of the patients regarding the illness. Considering that, it is necessary to offer a humanized and integral care, as well as providing a professional-patient relationship guided in a reliable bond that will contribute throughout the course of the treatment.

Keywords : adolescence; cancer; treatment.

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