Objective:
This study's objective was to describe the path taken by children, adolescents and their families, from the beginning of signs and symptoms up to a definitive cancer diagnosis.
Methods:
This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect empirical data, from which emerged the category "a long journey: from becoming sick to the beginning of treatment."
Results:
Ten families of children and adolescents with cancer undergoing chemotherapy participated in the study. The participants reported their experiences in a detailed and chronological way, describing the first signs and symptoms, the need to go back and forth to health services, and the work of professionals from the primary and specialized health care services.
Conclusion:
Children and adolescents go through a long journey when they face an oncological situation. Difficulties accessing the diagnosis resources were observed. Such difficulties hinder the possibility of reaching an early diagnosis.
Child; Adolescent; Oncologic Nursing; Cancer; Early Diagnosis