Early detection of cervical and breast cancer: representations of primary care nurses

Abstract

To analyze the practices of early detection of cervical and breast cancer performed by nurses in primary health care in Baixada Litorânea/RJ/Brazil. Qualitative, descriptive study; carried out with 43 nurses; data obtained through a self-completed form on socioprofessional profile; Focus groups, whose text corpus was prepared with IRaMuTeQ software for analysis through the Descending Hierarchical Classification guided by the Theory of Social Representation. Presented in two classes: Tensions between demands for early detection of cervical and breast cancer and nurses' professional practice; and Between public policies and daily practice: contents, meanings and attitudes. The nurses' representations showed practices permeated by scientific knowledge and common sense that consider their professional experience. Doubts and questions about the current guidelines reveal obstacles to effective care. We emphasize the need for permanent reconstruction of this knowledge with the teams and women.