Self-concept and role function in patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Objective: To analyze self-concept adaptation and role function models in patients with oral cavity cancer. Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted with patients at a cancer reference hospital in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. The interview was used as a data collection technique, using a semi-structured instrument, based on Callista Roy’s theoretical framework. Data verification occurred based on thematic content analysis. Results: Two thematic categories emerged: Feelings involved in the daily life with the disease and Loss of social and family roles in the face of head and neck cancer. Slope in self-esteem, adaptive responses in self-physical, negative feelings in self-personal, positive adaptation in self-personal, positive adaptation, mediated by belief and religiosity were revealed in the category of feelings involved. Concerning loss of social and family roles, changes in roles were identified in the relationship with the family and society, due to the work situation, and the distance between the family and the need to continue radiotherapy cycles. Conclusion: It was found that effective responses in the self-concept model are found in the possibility of clarifying the focus that should be attributed to meeting this condition on screen as a way of promoting adaptation to the new condition of life.