Objective:

To understand the social representations of cancer and breast self-examination of women on the Pacific coast in Colombia during the year 2019.

Method:

The study uses a qualitative interpretative approach through the analysis of Social Representations. Structured interviews were conducted for the collection of data and construction of the study phenomenon with 21 women between 19 and 71 years old, inhabitants of the municipalities of Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé and Mosquera in the department of Nariño and the municipalities of Guapi and Timbiquí in the department of Cauca.

Results:

Breast self-examination for women is a concept and practice that is configured and understood through theoretical and emergent categories such as beliefs, perceptions, knowledge they have about the disease, detection methods, consequences and life experiences.

Conclusions:

Breast cancer is associated with malignancy, death and negative emotions. Women recognize that it causes suffering and affects their family and social environment. The social representation of self-examination is related to the disease and its implications, highlighting beliefs, perceptions, and categories influenced by sociocultural aspects.

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