What are the most common questions from cancer patients?: informative booklet produced by a multidisciplinary student group

Keywords

oncology - health education - students

Introduction: Cancer is a disease caused by a disorder in cellular reproduction and affects individuals in a very heterogeneous way, causing physical and mental suffering. According to data projected by the World Health Organization, it may be the leading cause of death from 2030 onwards. In this sense, it becomes relevant to act in its prevention, as well as in the health education of patients who have already been diagnosed with some type of cancer.

Objective: To produce an informative booklet based on questions received from health professionals working in Oncology.

Methods: This is a qualitative cross-sectional study carried out by filling out online forms aimed at professionals who work directly with cancer patients and generated by the Google Forms platform, containing the following question: What is the most common question you receive from a patient undergoing cancer treatment? The form was sent via social networks (WhatsApp and Instagram) and email. Conducted between June and August 2024. An informative booklet aimed at patients undergoing treatment was then produced. Students from the multidisciplinary research and extension group in oncology were responsible for reviewing the literature and preparing responses in language accessible to all social classes.

Results: In total, the questionnaire was answered by 41 professionals, among whom the following areas stand out: nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, and medicine. After collection, 17 questions were selected according to their relevance, frequency, and approach. Questions such as: Can I have sexual intercourse during treatment? Will my hair fall out? What are the side effects of chemotherapy? What types of exercise should I do: predominantly aerobic or with a greater emphasis on weight training?

Conclusion: It can be seen that cancer is a disease still greatly feared by patients and professionals and, despite all the advances in the area, there is a gap in health education for patients diagnosed with cancer. Therefore, it is essential that measures to support health education for cancer patients are promoted and that professionals dedicate time to clarifying the nuances that permeate the diagnosis.

Corresponding author: Marilya Oliveira Ellery (e-mail: [e-mail]).