This study aimed to identify the necessary information to develop an educational material to assist women in preoperative surgery to treat breast cancer. For the construction, women with the diagnosis of breast cancer and who underwent surgery for the first time in up to six months were interviewed. 51 women aged between 25 and 84 years were included, 32 had a partner, 26 had incomplete elementary school, 24 considered their occupation as "housewife", 43.1% underwent mastectomy, and 82.4% performed axillary dissection. They responded to an instrument with socio demographic data and questions concerning the information/guidance which they received from health team about types of surgery, hospitalization, anesthesia, use of drain and complications. For the preparation of the educational material, knowing this reality and the expectations of subjects are indispensable to prioritize the needs of clients and not only therapeutic requirements.
Breast Neoplasms; Nursing; Surgery; Health education
