Introduction:

Cancer is characterized as a complex disease of multifactorial origin, and may be internal or external order to the body, both of which are interrelated.

Objective:

To understand the impact of the diagnosis of elderly cancer in the family and their interfaces.

Methods:

Descriptive, cross-sectional survey with a qualitative approach, carried out in health facilities in a city in northeastern Brazil with 10 family members of elderly cancer. Data were collected from April to May 2014, by means of an instrument of semi-structured interview and investigated according to content analysis, thematic modality.

Results:

The categories that emerged from the speeches were: The impact of cancer diagnosis for the family; the dialogical relationship between the family and health professionals; Changes in routine and family relationships.

Conclusion:

It is known that the diagnosis of cancer for the elderly entails negative form of damage to both the individual and for family. However, it is believed that the family is viewed as a local conflict, illness and support.

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