Quality of Life of Latina Breast Cancer Survivors: From Silence to Empowerment
Date
2013-09
Authors
Martinez, Gloria
Biggs, Mary Jo Garcia
Lozano, Yvonne
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Indiana University School of Social Work
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Latinas living in the United States. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study aimed at understanding the experiences of 25 Latinas between the ages of 28 and 83 who are long-term (at least five years post diagnosis) breast cancer survivors. The findings show three key issues and concerns: (a) fear of being stigmatized and being treated differently if they talked about their breast cancer experience; (b) overcoming the perceived negative effects that breast cancer has on their femininity; (c) the effects of breast cancer recovery and survivorship on social relationships of family and community. Family support and peer advocacy helped survivors in several areas: (a) to cope with the fear of recurrence; (b) to combat the fear of social stigma; (c) to become stronger as they dealt with the permanent life changes as a Latina breast cancer survivor; (d) to support them in the struggle for the provision of culturally sensitive health care; and (e) to provide social support in the form of advocacy for other Latina breast cancer survivors.
Description
Keywords
breast cancer, survivorship, social support, health, Latina, Sociology
Citation
Martinez-Ramos, G. P., Garcia Biggs, M. J., & Lozano, Y., (2013). Quality of life of Latina breast cancer survivors: From silence to empowerment. Advances in Social Work, 14(01), pp. 82–101.