Abstract

The objective of this exploratory study is to understand the cultural meaning of being laryngectomized. The study comprises the inductive content analysis of the speech of 24 participants of GARPO (a support group for laryngectomized patients) between 1991-1994, on the basis of cultural. The cultural meaning that emerged were classified into categories: being different, being dependent, having low self-esteem and having hope. The analysis of the cultural meanings showed how participants cope with their condition within their social and cultural environment. As a consequence, the group’s activities can be redimensioned to help the rehabilitation of these individual.

Key words: laryngeal cancer; laryngectomized; cultural meaning