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

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Description

Health Communication and Breast Cancer among Black Women: Culture, Identity, Spirituality, and Strength addresses how the discourse of strength constructs the identity of Black women even during times of chronic illness through the lens of Black feminist thought and womanist ideology. In doing so, Madlock Gatison explores how the narratives surrounding pink ribbon awareness and survivorship culture, religion and spirituality, and the myth of the strong Black woman impact Black female breast cancer survivors self-perceptions, views others had of them, and their ability to express their needs and concerns including those involving their healthcare. This book will be of interest to scholars of public health, health communication, and sociology.

Reviews

This work provides a compelling insiders view of how Black womens strength, identity, and spirituality impact the unique challenges faced by Black women cancer survivors. Drawing heavily on personal experience, Gatison illuminates a holistic view regarding the impact of cancer on Black womens lives. This book is a welcomed addition to academicians and professionals in the field of health communication, as well as others interested in Black womens health. -- Carolyn A. Stroman, Howard University
This transparent and inspiring work provides its readers with a small glimpse of the multilayered nuances of the illness experience. Through personal narrative the author brilliantly uses her voice to draw attention to a very necessary area of health communication. This book sets itself apart from other texts as it reifies the health experiences of African American women. I recommend this book as a supplemental text for health communication, public health, and medical humanities courses. -- Kesha Maria Morant Williams, Pennsylvania State University

Author Bio

Annette D. Madlock Gatison is associate professor in the Department of Communication at Southern Connecticut State University.