Summary:
To explore the socially constructed and gendered patterns of behaviour associated with young women's self-sacrifice during breast cancer. Qualitative descriptive study conducted in the city of Neiva, Department of Huila (Colombia) during 2018. Fifteen women diagnosed with breast cancer at or before the age of 45 years participated. The information was collected through a discussion group and ten semi-structured interviews, and the data was analised through thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: "First of all, taking care of their children and family", "Hiding the physical and emotional pain" and "not being a burden on their family." Although they are suffering cancer, these women should continue fulfilling the socially established gender-roles for women, giving priority to the needs of others and then taking care of themselves.
Keywords:
Breast Neoplasms; Self-sacrifice; Gender; Feminisms; Ethnography