Psychosocial Repercussions of Radiotherapy Treatment for Cervical Cancer: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Objective: to understand the psychosocial repercussions of post radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. Method: qualitative study, with the participation of patients in post radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer in an onco-gynecologic nursing outpatient clinic, located in the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. Data were collected during the months of March and April 2019 by means of open interview and submitted to content analysis. Results: four categories were defined: the construct of social roles: the loss of female identity; the sexuality of post-treated women for cervical cancer: marital repercussions; difficulties in adapting to the new life condition: rebuilding the body image; living with cervical cancer: rethinking life and rebuilding values through the support network. Final considerations: the results contribute to the direction of care, increasing the quality of life and helping these women reorganize their professional, social, and family lives.