CUIDADOR DE CRIANÇA COM CÂNCER: RELIGIOSIDADE E ESPIRITUALIDADE COMO MECANISMOS DE ENFRENTAMENTO

Introduction: Although there have been great advances in oncologic therapy, cancer still presents itself as a diagnostic disease related to the fear of death, which causes pain in the affected child and her family. In any case, caregivers experience drastic changes in their routines and suffer during the treatment of children with cancer, so seek support strategies that helps them to confront this adverse situation. Objective: To investigate the role of religion and spirituality as a coping mechanism used by family caregivers front of childhood cancer. Materials and Methods: The place where the research was conducted was the Institute for the Support of Children with Cancer in the municipality of Barbalha (CE). The subjects were family caregivers and the instrument for data collection was one semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed by a Thematic Analysis. Results: Data were crowded into two themes: faith as a source of support in delicate moments of treatment and expectations for the end of treatment. Discussion: Reports showed the use of religion and spirituality as components inherent in coping with childhood cancer by family caregivers. Conclusions: The search for the religion and the use of spirituality by caregivers is very present during the confrontation of childhood cancer. Thus, health professionals should be a source of respect and support the beliefs, religion and values of family caregivers.