This descriptive qualitative study aimed to comprehend perceptions of vulnerability to disease among women diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. Twelve women who were receiving outpatient hospital care in treating advanced cervical cancer participated in the study. Data was collected through interviews and analyzed via content analysis. The results highlight two themes: Perceiving oneself as vulnerable in discovering the disease; and Perceiving oneself vulnerable in carrying out treatment. Factors related to the client, health care professionals, and services rendered, among others have made women susceptible to health problems and damage relating to cervical cancer, exacerbating their vulnerability to the disease. It is necessary to overcome deficiencies in care model and the humanization of treatment, the degree of commitment, as well as the quality of institutions, resources, management and monitoring programs towards preventing and detecting cervical cancer within different levels of care.
Uterine cervical neoplasms; Vulnerability; Disease prevention; Delayed diagnosis; Nursing