This research focuses on female cancer through two perspectives: one that stems from the nursing professionals of CAISM-UNICAMP and other that stems from the patients under treatment at the hospital. The objective of this work required a qualitative methodological approach, implemented through both semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Data show that cultural constructions about disease diagnosis induce women to assume an ill role with radical implications for their everyday life. However, the hospital is equipped to treat only the biological aspects of the patient's physical body. Emotional and social aspects are subtracted - a condition which can generate partial treatment and, at the same time, discontentment among professional staff. Data also show that this aspect promotes dissatisfaction among both patients and the health professionals.
cancer; nursing; organization; social representation