“A Breast Ain't Nothing but a Sandwich”: Narratives of Ella, an African American Social Worker Breast Cancer Survivor

Abstract

Breast cancer mortality rates continue to increase among African American women making it imperative to develop culturally tailored programs to help reduce these rates. In this study, narratives of Ella an African American breast cancer survivor who is also a social worker were constructed. Prevalent themes were self-identity, perceptions of women living with cancer, and the socialization of African Americans in cancer prevention. Her perspective as a survivor and social worker offers insight on how the intersection of race and gender impacts breast cancer survival and has implications for future research in cancer awareness among African Americans.

“Everything Happened So Quickly” Living Through Events Immediately Before and After Initial Breast Cancer Diagnosis: An Exploratory Study of the Experiences of a Group of Women in Cape Town, South Africa

“…I had another mastectomy and the surgeon constructed both. I am happy with my decision today " In their study, Grimes and Hou [27] also noted that their participants wanted both breasts removed even though it was not necessary. But, unlike Sue whose decision was based on body image, Grimes and Hou indicate that the participants in their study took the decision because they were afraid of a recurrence of the cancer.…”

“…Participants with a family history of breast cancer were more accepting of the diagnosis. Laura (27) said, "I was not actually scared because breast cancer is in my family. My aunt has breast cancer and she is still living after being diagnosed five years ago".…”

“…My needs were secondary. Laura (27) stated "My breasts were swollen and I thought I was pregnant then. I had oozing nipples.…”

“…Only when the pain became unbearable and, as one individual explained, the lump was "as hard as a rock and stretching my skin, that I was taken to the doctor" (Shireen 17). Laura (27) stated that she had had the lump for ten years before her breast began to swell and her "nipples were oozing". She thought she was pregnant and went to the local clinic.…”

“…Pat (81) said that her children were very shocked when they found out that she had to deal with this at this point in her life as she had always been strong and healthy. Laura (27) explained her situation at the time of diagnosis as follows:…”