This study aims at identifying the actions and difficulties related to self-care at the initial period of the oncological-hematological disease, as reported by elderly persons attended at an outpatient setting. Interviews were carried out with 30 elderly at a hematology center in Campinas (SP). Data analysis allowed us to identify that, at the beginning of the disease, the most relevant self-care action was seeking medical care. However, the delay or difficulty in reaching a diagnosis, as well as coping with the disease and accessing health care services were the difficulties mentioned most frequently.
elderly; self-care; oncology; hematology; nursing
