Health Communication and Breast Cancer among Black Women: Culture, Identity, Spirituality, and Strength

Health Communication and Breast Cancer among Black Women: Culture, Identity, Spirituality, and Strength explores how the discourse of strength constructs the identity of Black women during chronic illness, impacting self-perceptions, views others have of them, and their ability to express their needs and concerns.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 112 pages
\n Publication date: 31 August 2018
\n Publisher: Lexington Books
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Health Communication and Breast Cancer among Black Women: Culture, Identity, Spirituality, and Strength delves into the intricate interplay of factors that shape the identity of Black women, particularly during times of chronic illness. Through the lens of Black feminist thought and womanist ideology, author Madlock Gatison examines how the narratives surrounding pink ribbon awareness, survivorship culture, religion and spirituality, and the myth of the strong Black woman impact the self-perceptions, views others have of them, and the ability of Black female breast cancer survivors to express their needs and concerns, including those related to healthcare. This comprehensive book offers valuable insights to scholars in the fields of public health, health communication, and sociology.

Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of Black women with breast cancer. The cultural values, beliefs, and practices of Black communities have a profound impact on their understanding, treatment, and outcomes of breast cancer. For example, some Black communities prioritize traditional healing practices and may rely on spiritual healers or faith-based interventions to manage their health. This can lead to disparities in healthcare access and treatment outcomes, as traditional healing practices may not be recognized or supported by mainstream medical systems.

Identity is another critical aspect that influences the experiences of Black women with breast cancer. Black women often face multiple identities, including race, gender, class, and sexuality, which can intersect and complicate their experiences with breast cancer. For example, Black women may experience discrimination and marginalization based on their race and gender, which can impact their access to healthcare and their ability to receive adequate treatment. Additionally, Black women may face unique challenges related to their sexuality, such as stigma and discrimination from healthcare providers and their communities.

Spirituality and religion also play a significant role in the lives of Black women with breast cancer. Many Black women rely on their spiritual beliefs and practices to provide comfort, support, and coping mechanisms during their cancer journey. Religion and spirituality can also impact healthcare decisions, as Black women may seek out religious or spiritual guidance from their clergy or community leaders. However, there may be barriers to accessing religious or spiritual support, such as language barriers or cultural differences.

The myth of the strong Black woman is a pervasive cultural construct that reinforces the idea that Black women are resilient and capable of overcoming any challenge. While this myth can provide a sense of empowerment and resilience, it can also perpetuate stereotypes and biases that can limit the support and resources available to Black women with breast cancer. For example, the myth of the strong Black woman may lead healthcare providers to underestimate the severity of Black women's breast cancer or to dismiss their concerns as a result of their perceived resilience.

Health Communication and Breast Cancer among Black Women: Culture, Identity, Spirituality, and Strength explores how these cultural, identity, spiritual, and strength-related factors intersect to impact the experiences of Black women with breast cancer. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature on breast cancer among Black women, including qualitative and quantitative research studies. It also includes personal narratives and testimonials from Black women with breast cancer, which provide a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of recognizing and addressing the cultural disparities that exist in healthcare. The author argues that healthcare providers must be aware of the cultural backgrounds and beliefs of their patients and provide culturally sensitive care that takes into account their unique needs and experiences. This includes providing education and resources that are tailored to the cultural context of Black communities, as well as addressing the social determinants

Another important theme of the book is the impact of identity on the experiences of Black women with breast cancer. The author highlights the need for healthcare providers to recognize and address the multiple identities of Black women and to provide care that is tailored to their specific needs and experiences. This includes providing culturally sensitive care that takes into account the intersectionality of race, gender, class, and sexuality and addressing the unique challenges that Black women face, such as discrimination and marginalization.

Spirituality and religion also play a significant role in the experiences of Black women with breast cancer. The author argues that healthcare providers must recognize and respect the spiritual and religious beliefs of their patients and provide support that is tailored to their needs and experiences. This includes providing spiritual and religious resources that are appropriate for the cultural context of Black communities and addressing the spiritual and religious concerns of Black women with breast cancer, such as fear, anxiety, and hopelessness.

The myth of the strong Black woman is a pervasive cultural construct that reinforces the idea that Black women are resilient and capable of overcoming any challenge. While this myth can provide a sense of empowerment and resilience, it can also perpetuate stereotypes and biases that can limit the support and resources available to Black women with breast cancer. The author argues that healthcare providers must challenge and dismantle this myth by providing care that is tailored to the individual needs and experiences of Black women with breast cancer. This includes providing support and resources that address the emotional and psychological toll of breast cancer, as well as providing care that addresses the physical and social consequences of breast cancer.

In conclusion, Health Communication and Breast Cancer among Black Women: Culture, Identity, Spirituality, and Strength is a groundbreaking book that provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that shape the experiences of Black women with breast cancer. The book highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the cultural disparities that exist in healthcare, the impact of identity on the experiences of Black women with breast cancer, the significance of spirituality and religion in the lives of Black women with breast cancer, and the need to challenge and dismantle the myth of the strong Black woman. The book offers valuable insights to scholars, healthcare providers, and policymakers who are interested in improving the health outcomes of Black women with breast cancer.

\n Weight: 180g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 10 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781498540551\n \n