The study aimed to identify cancer repercussions on play among children in oncological treatment. This was qualitative research implemented according to a creative and sensible method. Twenty-two family members of seven children in ambulatory cancer treatment in a hospital from Rio de Janeiro participated. Data production occurred in family members' houses, from September 2011 to May 2012. The data were analyzed according to discourse analysis. Two thematic units emerged: childhood cancer - a happening about play; and playing in the course of the child's illness and treatment: a possibility to rescue care of maintaining life. Maintaining play is a child's need that demands nursing care of a different nature, to assure the right to play during treatment, in order to reduce traumas and damage to their development.
Play and playthings; Pediatric nursing; Cancer