The acts of representational speak in day-to-day man's penectomized: amputation, religiosity and family

Abstract

Objective: To identify and analyze the social representations of patients after radical penectomy due to penile cancer and its implications for health. Method: This is a qualitative study, which uses the descriptive method in the form of case study and theoretical approach of social representations. The study included 30 patients, who were followed between the months of May to October 2011. The analysis of the findings occurred through the technique of discourse analysis. Results: the main findings of the study were the discussion about the amputation, religiosity and family facing this cancer. Conclusion: It came evidenced that penile cancer is a dreaded disease among men, holding a biological and symbolical representation, which controls the individual and the environment where he lives.