Cancro da mama vivido na relação mãe-filhos e na parentalidade

Abstract

The diagnosis of Breast Cancer (BC) causes a crises in patients and in their family system, leading to changes in its operating mode. This study aims to analyze the short and long-term changes in motherchild relationship and in parenting after the diagnosis of mother’s BC. Thus, 17 women were interviewed following a semi-structured interview. All these women are survivors of BC with dependent child at the time of diagnosis. The data was analyzed with Grounded Theory methodology. The results showed that this experience causes temporary and permanent changes in the patterns of family functioning. Faced with changes in children’s behavior, mothers adopt new strategies, in order to promote well-being in their children. After the family has decentered from the disease, women are able to reflect on the contributions of this experience, of living with BC, in the mother-child relationship. Clinically, these results permit to acknowledge the needs of these mothers, and allow the elaboration of psychological intervention programs, capable to respond to those needs, specially systemic intervention, and interventions that allowing the emotional expression.