FROM SUSPICION TO DIAGNOSIS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT CANCER: THE EXPERIENCE OF FAMILY MEMBERS IN HEALTH SERVICES

Abstract

This work sought to understand the experience of family members of children and adolescents with cancer, in health services, from the first signs and symptoms of the disease to the communication of the diagnosis. It is a qualitative study conducted with 20 family caregivers of children and adolescents who were undergoing cancer treatment at a public hospital in Paraíba. Semi-structured interviews were used to apprehend the data, and thematic content analysis was used for results organization and analysis. The analysis process allowed the construction of three thematic categories: In search of a diagnosis; Diagnosis; and Changes in the family system. Resorting to various health services, waiting for the diagnosis and sometimes receiving wrong diagnoses caused suffering in the family, which generally felt neglected and powerless. Although most caregivers evaluate the communication of the diagnosis as adequate, the caregivers' reactions expressed the shock that emerged from the news. In this scenario, greater unity was identified in most families as well as changes in routine and roles, in the sense of adapting to unexpected adversity. The importance of rethinking care practices in the oncology care network is emphasized, ensuring a welcoming and bonding posture, from the perspective of integrality.