Itinerário terapêutico da mulher com câncer de colo uterino

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer among women. It is necessary to follow a path in search of care, from preventive examination to treatment, to solve the problem. This dynamic process in search of a solution to the disease is called a therapeutic itinerary and involves different therapeutic practices and multiple trajectories. Objective: to describe the therapeutic itinerary of women with cervical cancer, from disease screening to after disease treatment. Method: descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, carried out in the gynecology oncology outpatient clinic of a University Hospital, in Zona da Mata Mineira, from March to July 2023. Participants were thirteen women diagnosed with cervical cancer who are undergoing treatment or follow-up after treatment. Data collection occurred through semi structured interviews and analysis according to the method proposed by Bardin, resulting in two thematic categories. Results: study participants were aged between 39 and 76 years. Regarding treatments, 12 women underwent radiotherapy; seven underwent a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy; and four to hysterectomy. Two categories emerged from the analysis: The woman's therapeutic itinerary from the appearance of symptoms to the diagnosis of cervical cancer; The woman's therapeutic itinerary in treatment and post-treatment follow-up. Final Considerations: throughout this itinerary, women face several challenges in accessing health services, which can impact the process of treatment and health restoration. It is believed that nursing and other health professionals can improve communication, develop personalized interventions and promote more effective health education programs, aiming at prevention and early diagnosis.