ASSISTÊNCIA À SAÚDE DA MULHER EM UMA AÇÃO SOCIAL SOBRE PREVENÇÃO DO CÂNCER DE MAMA E DE COLO UTERINO: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

Introduction: Policies in the area of women’s health have achieved many successes over the years. For example, the development and publication, in 2004, of the National Policy for Comprehensive Women’s Health Care, which expanded care for this population beyond maternal care. Objective: To report the experience of a nursing student at Faculdade Soberana based on her experience in a social action focused on women’s health promoted by the institution. Methodology: This is a descriptive, experience-report study aimed at demonstrating the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge learned in the classroom by the nursing student and its implementation through activities carried out in a social action with women in the community. Thirty women were invited to participate in the action. Results: Guidance was provided, emphasizing the importance of self-care, the signs and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer, and the tests performed for early detection of these pathologies. The anatomy of the breasts and the female reproductive system was presented in a didactic manner. Nursing consultations were conducted, including clinical breast examinations and Pap smears. The importance of cytology tests and general guidelines for promoting and preventing diseases were explained. The need for more consistent improvement in prevention campaigns in Brazil was also highlighted, not only during Pink October but throughout the year. Conclusion: Implementing actions of this nature promotes the integration of students, faculty, and the entire academic community with local health services and, especially, with the community, strengthening the teaching-service-community continuum and enhancing the learning of future professionals.