Meanings of Breast Cancer Survivorship Among Members of Ethnically-Identified Support Groups

Authors

  • K. E. Dyer Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Dept. of Health Behavior and Policy Richmond, VA, USA
  • J. Coreil University of South Florida College of Public Health Dept. of Community and Family Health Tampa, Florida, USA (Retired)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/hcs.2017.213

Keywords:

Cancer, survivorship, ethnicity, illness narratives, support groups

Abstract

Research on both cancer survivorship and support needs has been limited in its attention to survivors from culturally-diverse communities.  This study examined the perspectives of members and leaders of ethnically-identified breast cancer support groups regarding the meanings and expectations attached to survivorship.  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 African American and Latina survivors in Central Florida.  Participant narratives invoked themes of spiritual renewal and deepening religious faith, and deemphasized individual responsibility for personal change.  Participants emphasized the importance of shared cultural identity in shaping the survivor experience, and some Latina women drew parallels between survivorship and the challenges of migration to a new country.  An unwavering display of optimism was held to be paramount.  These themes are interpreted within the framework of the interplay between dominant societal discourses of survivorship and locally-constructed meanings.  Findings underscore the importance for healthcare providers to be cognizant and respectful of diverse perspectives on illness.

Author Biographies

K. E. Dyer, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Dept. of Health Behavior and Policy Richmond, VA, USA

Karen E. Dyer, PhD, MPH is a postdoctoral fellow in Cancer Prevention and Control in the Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University.  She received her doctorate in Medical Anthropology and MPH in Community and Family Health from the University of South Florida.  Her research has focused on the sociocultural and behavioral aspects of cancer and survivorship, especially among women, with her most recent project examining long-term colorectal cancer survivors’ experiences with and preferences for cancer follow-up healthcare.  Her work has been published in both social science journals and clinically-focused journals.

J. Coreil, University of South Florida College of Public Health Dept. of Community and Family Health Tampa, Florida, USA (Retired)

Jeannine Coreil, PhD (retired) held the position of Professor with the Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida and with the Department of Anthropology, University of Miami.  Trained in medical anthropology and social-behavioral sciences, Dr. Coreil’s areas of research included infectious diseases, illness support groups, women’s health and qualitative research methods.  She has conducted sociomedical and ethnographic research among Haitian Americans and Hispanics, in addition to numerous studies of cultural factors and health in Haiti since 1978.  Her most recent research focused on stigma and tuberculosis in Haitian populations, and cultural diversity within breast cancer support groups in Florida.

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Published

2017-12-08

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Perspectives II

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