Autonomy Versus Shame: Body Perceptions Of Colostomized Patients In Southeastern Brazil

Background: This study discusses the psychosocial characteristics of colostomy users' feelings. Methods: Qualitative research with colostomized patients that constituted one of the objectives of the Rectal Cancer Assessment (ACRE) study of the National Cancer Institute Jose Alencar Gomes da Silva - INCA. Data interpretation had as the main supposition the understanding that interpretations about one’s body are characterized by speeches and representations. Results: The feeling of shame was frequent in the testimonials. The shame of the colostomized body and the desire to hide it are associated with the negative feelings attributed to the “out-of-standard” body and the feces, collective and individual feelings that can be used as a basis for comparison in body interpretation. Conclusion: The colostomized body is still seen as a taboo, which intensifies feelings of isolation, abnormality, and not belonging, making it even more difficult to adapt, promote mental health and develop autonomy. Keywords: Body, Colostomy, Health promotion, Colorectal cancer.