Social representations are a construction of meanings that people grant to an object, in this case, oncological treatment. Worldwide, cancer is a high prevalence disease and its treatments usually generate numerous side effects, but at the same time is the only medical resource to control the disease. This qualitative study aimed to analyze social representations of the oncological treatment in the Colombian population. Twenty people, selected by convenience, participated voluntarily. Open interviews were made and results were analyzed through thematic analysis and were interpreted based on the social representations theory. Results indicated that people represent conventional oncological treatment, predominantly as chemotherapy, generators of suffering, fear, high physical, emotional and economical cost; as well as a bet, in which profit can be life prolongation or remission. Results and its implications are discussed.
