Les mots du corps : une ethnographie des émotions des soignants en cancérologie

In a gynecological cancer unit, nurses and care assistants work together in treating their patients with a « global approach to the person ». Such an approach implies that the tumor, the body, the physical appearances, and the emotional well-being of each patient are all considered at the time of treatment. As such, they pay close attention to their patients' personal views and emotions which are expressed to them both verbally and physically. Through their presence, their availability and their knowledge of this incurable disease, the nursing staff has a privileged relationship with their patients. In this regard, their continued treatment of cancer patients takes a toll on their emotions, which they speak about to each other and note in the patient's file. In this paper, through an ethnography of narratives and through my personal observations of care practices, I will be analyzing both the patients' and nursing staff's sharing of emotions as well as the way in which they are expressed and communicated.