<b>The performance of nursing in cancer prevention: cultural and gender questions</b> - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i5.17073

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of the gender on the behavior of cancer prevention in women and its relation with nursing care. In 2004, nine women, patients of a Health Unit of Paraná State were interviewed. The data was fully transcribed and an analysis identifying meaningful unities and their meaning was carried out. As a result, it was found that the fact of the professional who performs a gynecological examination is a man or woman interferes on the patient’s adhesion to the prevention practices. When the professional was male, some of the patients reported feelings of shame and violence. Regarding the female professionals (nurses), the patients reported better acceptance of the examination. However, for some, to undress in front of a man would be easier because, considering the male stereotype he would be “more professional” than the female nurses. The female professionals would have a closer and more affective relationship and thus, confused in this role, would not have an appropriate professional conduct. Therefore, we emphasize that the inclusion of the discussion of gender in the prevention programs is essential to guarantee the adhesion of women to prevention programs of breast and cervical cancer.