Objective:

To explore the experience of women diagnosed with carcinoma in situ of the cervix.

Materials and methods:

Qualitative phenomenological study based on indepth interviews, with the participation of women diagnosed with cervical carcinoma in situ seen at a Level II hospital in a municipality of the Department of Risaralda, Colombia.

Results:

Ten women with a median age of 23 years did not expect the diagnosis and were devastated; they assumed that their disease was fatal and blamed their partners for the outcome. It was shown that they did not to have a clear understanding of their disease. Asymmetrical couple relationships were revealed in which women do not undertake to ensure their sexual protection. Women have scant support networks due to the stigma of living with cervical cancer.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive intervention model is required in order to foster empowerment of women so that they can play an active role in their disease, self-care and sexual and reproductive rights, and that also involves males in prevention and care. There is a need to create awareness regarding the fact that cervical cancer is more than symptoms such as bleeding and pain.

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