Objective: to know the perception of living with cancer for oncological patients. Method: it is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study. It was developed in a radiotherapy center in a Teaching Hospital in south of Brazil, between October and November 2007. The participants were seven patients with cancer who came to the service for revision of up to six months after the end of the treatment. Results: the diagnosis brings changes and limitations to their lives, such as feelings of fear, sadness and anxiety. To overcome the adversities they count with the support of family, friends, work and religion. Conclusions: it is understood that this living is permeated by individual and subjective characteristics, occurring transformations in these people’s lives demanding that they find means to adapt to this new condition.
Descriptors: Neoplasms; Survival; Oncologic nursing; Chronic disease; Life change events
