Cancer in times of covid-19: Repercussions in the lives of women undergoing oncological treatment

Abstract

Objective: Objective: to understand the experience of coping with COVID-19, as perceived by women undergoing cancer treatment. Method: qualitative, participatory action research based on the three phases of Paulo Freire's Research Itinerary: Thematic Investigation; Coding and Decoding; and Critical Unveiling. A Culture Circle was held online with 12 women from different places in Brazil undergoing breast cancer treatment. Results: in the virtual Culture Circle, they discussed two themes: challenges in coping with cancer and COVID-10; and learning generated in that experience, with a view to rebirth from their own ashes. Final considerations: the pandemic has prompted thinking about living. Accordingly, women undergoing cancer treatment and also under social restrictions were able to express their feelings, and in discovering and rediscovering weaknesses and strengths, to resignify themselves and to grow in a society that can and should deploy strategies for health promotion.