Between stigma and pink positivity

Women's Perceptions of Social Interactions During and After Breast Cancer Treatment

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2249188
AutoresDiane Trusson (0000-0002-6995-1192, School of Sociology and Social Policy University of Nottingham UK, autor correspondente), Alison Pilnick (0000-0003-0987-8760, School of Sociology and Social Policy University of Nottingham UK)
Ano2017
Volume39
Fascículo3
Páginas458-473
Data de publicação2017-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoSociology of Health & Illness (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0141-9889 • E-ISSN: 1467-9566
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1467-9566.12486
PMID27577849
OpenAlexW2507712158
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas14
Referências citadas34

This study explores women's perceptions of social interaction during and after their treatment for early stage breast cancer. An analysis of interviews with 24 women between 6 months and 29 years post-diagnosis reveals that interactions can be influenced by conflicting public discourses surrounding breast cancer. For example, there is the continuing association of cancer with death and the resulting potential for a stigmatised identity. In contrast is the ultra-positive discourse around cancer survivorship, with breast cancer in particular being associated with pink campaigning and a push towards positive thinking. Participants described managing conversations during treatment; sometimes playing down their private suffering and presenting a positive (public) image rather than risk alienating support. After treatment they were encouraged to move on and get back to 'normal'. While other breast cancer patients and survivors were often good sources of support, there was also a danger of assuming that all experiences would be the same. We present data to illustrate that women often present public accounts that are driven by an expectation of positivity and fear of stigmatisation at all stages of breast cancer treatment and beyond

Breast cancer · Cancer · Cancer survivorship · Family medicine · Perception · Psychiatry · Social stigma · Stigma (botany · Survivorship curve · Cancer survivorship and care · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Psychology · Social Psychology