The problem of suffering: perceptions by adolescents with cancer

Abstract

Adolescents with cancer undergo suffering resulting from diagnosis, therapy and changes in their routine and family life. The objective of this study was to identify the chief causes of their suffering, identified in interviews with those patients themselves. The study population were 12 adolescents admitted to the Paediatric Clinic of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School Clinical Hospital, University of São Paulo, from the 13th. November, 1997 to 16th. December, 1997. Data were analysed by means of qualitative approach. The chief causes of suffering reported by the studied adolescents were: hospitalization, restrictions in routine activities, aggressive therapy, modification of self-image and fear of dying. The adolescents not only talked about their suffering but also offered some suggestions to lessen it, as for instance, use of central venous catheter, liberation of visiting time, reducing number of hospitalization events, efficient communication and good rapport with the attending team.