Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2011;11(1):25-32.

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The Person who lives the experience of caring for a child with cancer

DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793201100004

Abstract

The diagnosis of cancer in a child is always an unexpected and devastating event for those people close to the child. Living this situation represents a long and unpredictable journey. This was the starting point for the development of an exploratory study, with the aim of deepening the knowledge about the person who assumes the responsibility of caring for such child. The study involved 17 people, of whom 16 were women (mothers) and one man (father). The data collection took place from semi-structured interviews. The data were processed using the method of analysis of content and software NVivo7^®. The communication of the diagnosis of cancer in children marks the beginning of an unwanted and never scheduled ordeal. The child takes the central role in those whose lives are close to her. Most often, care for a child is a feminine experience, more specifically by the mother.