Children and adolescents with cancer: Experiences with chemotherapy

Abstract

This study aimed to comprehend chemotherapy from the perspective of children and adolescents with cancer. Ten children and adolescents between eight and 18 years of age, in different phases of chemotherapy, participated in this exploratory, qualitative study. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews and analysis of the patients' medical records. Analysis of the empirical material followed the content analysis technique. The study allowed the comprehension that, for the children and adolescents, chemotherapy is mainly remembered for its collateral effects and suffering. After the initial impact, mainly due to physical changes, preoccupations are related to disease recovery, i.e. a cure. Over time, they also mentioned that the disease was seen as something to be overcome and, due to the chemotherapy, likely to be the outcome.