The comprehension gap regarding the meanings constructed by couples who have experienced breast cancer in the female partner motivated this study. Its aim was to describe and analyze the meanings that couples construct about the female partner's breast cancer and the ways in which they relate to this illness. Seven couples were interviewed and the data gathered was analyzed in the light of the theoretical reference of social constructionism. The results showed that the meanings of probation and death constructed for the partner's cancer aroused feelings of revolt and anxiety and a relationship with God among the participants. From this, it is proposed that interdisciplinary care is important for these couples, and that religious discourse should be integrated as a tool for caring for this population.
Breast neoplasm; Meanings; Diagnosis
