Exames de rastreamento para o câncer de próstata: Vivência de homens

Abstract

To understand the experience of men in achieving screening tests for prostate cancer. We used the reference of Grounded Theory and Symbolic Interaction, respectively, methodological and theoretical with 21 men in São Paulo-SP. From the central phenomenon “overcoming the challenge of carrying out the screening tests for prostate cancer”, the following categories emerged: experiencing the embarrassment, leading the fear and recognizing the importance of screening tests for cancer. The analysis indicated that the experience of men in clinical exams and knowledge acquired encouraged us to seek prevention. The influence of the social imaginary of the cancer disease and the stigma of tracking can accommodate, inhibit or fill with fear and shame the man who submits to the examinations. Thus, the first step to define strategies for more effective interventions is to understand how a population perceives, feels and lives the health.