The experience of penile cancer and treatment from the perspective of patients

• Grant number: 12/03500-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: October 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Marcia Maria Fontão Zago
• Grantee: Vander Monteiro da Conceição
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (EERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Penile cancer affects men in the productive phase of their lives. Even though its incidence is not high in Brazil, its treatment may result in mutilation, especially of self-image and sexual life. We identified few studies in a literature review addressing the psychosocial aspects of this group of patients; studies restricted to sexual function predominate. We note that health professionals have difficulty understanding the specific situation of a man with cancer, neglecting the representations held by men concerning their bodies and health. This study's objective is to analyze the meanings attributed by patients to the experience of having penile cancer and its treatment, and develop an educational intervention plan to be applied during the rehabilitation of patients. This study contributes to the store of knowledge concerning the topic, broadening the perspective beyond just sexual function. The medical anthropology and anthropology of masculinity will be used through narrative analysis. Patients in follow-up in a university hospital will be invited to participate. Data will be collected through in-depth interviews. The texts that emerge from interviews will be interpreted through narrative analysis. An educational plan to rehabilitate patients will be developed based on the results, contributing to the quality of nursing care.