Secrets and truths in the process of family comunication with a child with cancerABSTRACT
Objective: To understand the experience of families in establishing communication with children in relation to their cancer.
Methods: This study used a qualitative methodology to analyze interviews in families of children with cancer treated in a health institution in the state of Minas Gerais. We opted for symbolic interactionism as the theoretical reference and qualitative analysis was the method employed.
Results: Data analysis showed that cancer stigma influences the way that the family establishes communication with their child. The family makes a selection of words to find meaning of normality, keeping information from children about their future and consequently about death.
Conclusion: This study stresses the need of emotional support as a guide in the communication process between family and child. The family takes messages to the child that express the hope of overcoming their current situation. Thus, it is important to study strategies used by healthcare professionals to assist the family in its communication in respect to the child's illness.
Keywords: Communication; Family Nursing; Child; Cancer; Support