We objectify to understand the meaning of the diagnosis of the cancer of breast for the woman. In the search of this understanding we opt to a theoretical referential, based on the interactions and experience of the individual to the light of the symbolic interactions. We use as instrument the half-structuralized interview, with 8 women with breast cancer. The analysis of the narratives allowed the identification of grouped thematic units in two great categories: The impact of the diagnosis of breast cancer and the confrontation of the breast cancer. From the study of the subject, it was possible to understand the impact of the diagnosis of the breast cancer, same as it takes the feelings of fear of the death and the cancer to be an irremediable illness. In the sub-category Why with me? The women had disclosed its fear to lose its identity as women, through the feelings of fear of the mutilation and dependence. The confrontation of the breast cancer makes the woman search for its new identity as somebody that has cancer
Breast Neoplasms; Women`s health; Nursing