Actions of a cancer surveillance technical group based on the perspective of advocacy (*)

OBJECTIVE: To analyze epidemiological surveillance actions for people with cancer based on the perspective of advocacy. METHOD: Qualitative study, Convergent Care Research type, combined with the framework of health advocacy. It was carried out in the Epidemiological Surveillance of the Health Department of a municipality in the southern region of Brazil. RESULTS: Eleven health service professionals participated in the study, from June 2020 to July 2021, making up 14 group meetings. Two aspects were discussed: (1) problems involving the management of the work process in the network services, directly influencing user assistance; and (2) issues related to the training management of the professional who works at these services, where the lack of knowledge regarding the legislation leads to serious consequences for the users. CONCLUSION: The advocacy strengthened health defense concepts and ideas, mobilizing actions related to cancer, acting as a bridge between the members of the group and the sectors holding power to change circumstances that prevent compliance with public policies and current legislation.