How Social Networks May Influence Cancer Patients' Situated Identity and Illness-Related Behaviors

Abstract

Little research is currently available that captures variation in the degree to which individuals who have, or had cancer in the past (but are in remission) integrate their cancer experience into their sense of self or their cancer-associated identity. Such research should cover how those identities shape personal narratives within existing or new social networks so that, ultimately, we understand the implications for treatment choices and health outcomes. Particularly understudied are the social factors influencing the incorporation of cancer into identity, learning, and behavior. Social network analysis captures specific relationships, what they offer, and the structure or constellation of these relationships around someone who has cancer or has had cancer. Some studies point to potential cultural differences in ethnic or social groups in how social influences on the cancer experience play out in terms of individual coping strategies. In some populations, social cohesion or tight networks are common and of particular importance to individuals and include social institutions like church communities. Social status might also generate social pressures not typically noticed or experienced by other groups. We will discuss how social network analysis can be used to elucidate these factors and, conversely, how the specific context of cancer diagnosis can be used through social network analysis to better understand the role of community in helping individuals address situations of severe adversity.

Llorar fotografías: análisis de contenidos y discursos visuales sobre el cáncer en las fotografías de Olatz Vázquez en Instagram

“…En general, las redes sociales ofrecen apoyo no solo a pacientes, sino también sus cuidadores (Bender et al, 2013;Jones et al, 2018;Zade et al, 2017); mejoran el acceso a conocimientos sobre el tratamiento y sobre su impacto tanto físico como emocional (Attai et al, 2015;Gentile et al, 2018;Moorhead et al, 2013); y ayudan a los pacientes a vivir con el cáncer después del tratamiento (Banerjee et al, 2018).…”

Recent research on the social network concept and cancer

“…We also included nine articles in the review that did not include primary data: articles mentioned in refs. [6,15,26,27,31 && , 58,63,67,69] were reviews or commentaries of various kinds. Not all of those articles labeled as reviews are full systematic reviews, and include editorials and viewpoints.…”

Social networks as a protective factor for worsened self-perceived health status related to self-perceived changes in loneliness and health conditions in adults aged 50+ during the COVID-19 outbreak

“…Additionally, there is accumulating evidence on the importance of social networks for health status. It was found that higher levels of social integration, such as more frequent contact with friends, family, neighbors, etc., have been associated with better physical health and fewer morbidities such as hypertension [ 34 ], heart disease [ 14 ], diabetes [ 35 ] and cancer [ 36 ]. Social networks were associated with lower overall mortality as they contributed to a reduction in deaths from cardiovascular disease, and strong social networks were linked to a lower incidence of stroke, and potential benefits in extending the survival rates of men with coronary heart disease [ 37 ].…”