Graduation Date
1999
Document Type
Project
Program
Other
Program
Arts
Committee Chair Name
Dr. John Gai
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Carol A. Whitehurst
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Ronald A. Fritzsche
Keywords
Art
Subject Categories
Art
Abstract
Breast cancer accounts for 30% of all new cancer cases in women, is the leading cancer site among American women, and is the leading cause of death for women ages 35- 54. According to the 1996 Annual Report published by the Cancer Program of the Saint Joseph Health System of Humboldt County, breast cancer was the top site of cancer for all patients diagnosed and/or treated in their hospitals. Social support and its effect on cancer patients’ adjustment to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term survival has been studied extensively and such support has been found to be associated with positive outcomes. In particular, this support has been identified as an important predictor of coping with breast cancer. My project has been to develop a booklet which addresses the needs of the social support network. First, I include anecdotal information of a supportive nature by including quotes from focus group participants to illustrate their experiences, and second, iv I provide information regarding issues of tangible aid, such as definitions of terminology and local resources. I utilized qualitative methodology by conducting focus groups to gather information about the needs and experiences of women with breast cancer and their social support networks. From these discussions I developed the booklet, to be distributed within Humboldt County. It is intended for the use of those who find themselves wishing to be of assistance to a woman with breast cancer.
Recommended Citation
Martinez, Karen R., "Resource Development for the Social Support Network of Women with Breast Cancer" (1999). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2418.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2418