Present and future, perspectives of cancer patients

an extension report

Abstract

Neoplasia is a disorder in the cell growth caused by a set of acquired mutations that affect a single cell and its clonal progeny, the malignant neoplasm being referred to as cancer. In this context, the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology can interfere with the quality of the mental health of the affected. The objective of this study was to describe an activity carried out by medical school students who are members of the Liga de Saúde Comunitária do Cariri (Cariri Community Health League), a university extension program at the Federal University of Cariri, with adults and elderly people present at the NGO Casa Esperança e Vida, an institution that assists people with cancer analyzing the impacts of diagnosis and cancer treatment on the mental health of this population through a reflection on their perspectives for the future. Initially, the participants were distributed in groups, and were given a sheet of A4 paper and a pencil for each member and they were oriented to draw their present moment. After the first drawing, a new sheet of paper was delivered for them to prepare engravings that represented their yearnings for the future. The activity stimulated the comparison between the present and the future of the participants through a mixed practice of speech with art therapy and obtained constructive reflections, is that all the participants believed in their statements that they would be able to cure their current condition. It was concluded that, despite the possibility of being affected by feelings such as sadness, helplessness, and disbelief, all participants were optimistic about their future, with a positive attitude towards these people's mental well-being.