We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Half the Battle.
- Authors
Atkins, Laura
- Abstract
In this article, I explore the function of social support among women with breast or gynecologic cancers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who received services from a community health organization located in northern California. Findings suggest that the path to wellness for women with cancer is one that involves negotiable interactions with family, friends, and the medical community, such as decision-making regarding treatment and lifestyle choices. Distinctions were made between the support received from other women with cancer, and that received from family and friends. In addition to having emotional and instrumental functions, social support involves the exchange of information, resulting in a greater sense of control over the cancer experience. Health care providers and others who interact with women with cancer will benefit by recognizing the importance of social support throughout the healing process.
- Subjects
NORTHERN California; PROBLEM solving; DECISION making; GYNECOLOGIC cancer; PUBLIC health
- Publication
Qualitative Inquiry, 2016, Vol 22, Issue 4, p253
- ISSN
1077-8004
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/1077800415574911