The Breast Health of Church-going African American Women

The Breast Health of Church-going African American Women PDF Author: Corine Toomer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 444

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Book Description
Nearly 40,000 women died of breast cancer last year in the United States each year. Even though the incidence of breast cancer is lower in African American women than Caucasian women, the mortality is 30% higher. There are a number of factors which have been discussed in the literature that often attribute this statistic to factors such as access, religiosity, and biology; while these factors are valid, much of the literature has examined African American woman in comparatively small numbers as well as of lower socioeconomic and educational status. Further, the theoretical framework in the majority of the literature has been solely the Health Belief Model. I contend that experiences with health care professionals, cultural influences, and religiosity play an important role in the breast health decisions that African American women make. In recognition of the complexity of the lives of African American women, this research includes Black Feminist theory framework to highlight the narrative of 44 African American women; age 30-50 that are highly educated, have access to health care and screening, and are religious. The findings of this research were as follows: women were influenced by their experiences with health care professionals; in addition, cultural factors also played an important role in the breast health decisions. In spite of the potentially negative impact noted in literature, generally these women have increased their level of knowledge relating to their breast health. At the same time, they have positioned their religiosity/spirituality as a useful resource, used in conjunction with science based recommendations. These women have exhibited a high level of agency and independence in making their "optimal" breast health decisions. While the church continues to be a valuable source of strength in the African American community, women must seek strong and transparent relationships with their primary physicians so that accurate medical information can be acquired. Though myths and misinformation continue as well as the fact that there are too many failures in the management of the breast health of African American women, there are many successes, survivors and healings to be celebrated. These stories must be told as well.

The Breast Health of Church-going African American Women

The Breast Health of Church-going African American Women PDF Author: Corine Toomer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 444

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Book Description
Nearly 40,000 women died of breast cancer last year in the United States each year. Even though the incidence of breast cancer is lower in African American women than Caucasian women, the mortality is 30% higher. There are a number of factors which have been discussed in the literature that often attribute this statistic to factors such as access, religiosity, and biology; while these factors are valid, much of the literature has examined African American woman in comparatively small numbers as well as of lower socioeconomic and educational status. Further, the theoretical framework in the majority of the literature has been solely the Health Belief Model. I contend that experiences with health care professionals, cultural influences, and religiosity play an important role in the breast health decisions that African American women make. In recognition of the complexity of the lives of African American women, this research includes Black Feminist theory framework to highlight the narrative of 44 African American women; age 30-50 that are highly educated, have access to health care and screening, and are religious. The findings of this research were as follows: women were influenced by their experiences with health care professionals; in addition, cultural factors also played an important role in the breast health decisions. In spite of the potentially negative impact noted in literature, generally these women have increased their level of knowledge relating to their breast health. At the same time, they have positioned their religiosity/spirituality as a useful resource, used in conjunction with science based recommendations. These women have exhibited a high level of agency and independence in making their "optimal" breast health decisions. While the church continues to be a valuable source of strength in the African American community, women must seek strong and transparent relationships with their primary physicians so that accurate medical information can be acquired. Though myths and misinformation continue as well as the fact that there are too many failures in the management of the breast health of African American women, there are many successes, survivors and healings to be celebrated. These stories must be told as well.

African American Women and Their Breast Health: A Communication Study

African American Women and Their Breast Health: A Communication Study PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
As the number of Americans diagnosed with cancer increases each year, researchers focus on methods to increase cancer awareness. This current study focuses on African American women and the growing need to study breast health communication to increase breast health awareness. Currently African American women experience a higher death rate from breast cancer compared to their white counterparts. According to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts and Figures for African Americans Report published in 2007, African American women are 77% likely to survive five years after a breast cancer diagnosis as compared to 90% of their white counterparts. Among the factors that contribute to this disparity include socioeconomics and fear of breast cancer. The researcher has discovered a communication model that is not hindered by the aforementioned factors and allows ideal breast health messages to be disseminated among African American women. The communication model was created from the decentralization and centralization processes of the diffusion of innovation model, which allows for the use of interpersonal communication. The study found that interpersonal communication produces change and builds trust and respect. The researcher anticipates that future researchers will reproduce this model in other areas to tailor to specific health communication needs.

Black Women and Breast Cancer

Black Women and Breast Cancer PDF Author: Elizabeth A. Williams
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1498561071
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 183

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Book Description
Christian theology at its core is a story about someone being in trouble. In response to this trouble, the triune God intervenes. God identifies with those in trouble, walking with them through the experience. Yet, the God of Christian theology goes a step further. God prevails over trouble. God is an overcomer. Black women with breast cancer identify with this God. They also see themselves in this theological narrative. They see themselves in the midst of troubles, troubles like racism, poverty and environmental exposures that create the disease affecting their bodies. They see the troubles of breast cancer, their biological disposition towards more aggressive cancers, later stage diagnoses, poorer prognoses, diminished quality of care and worse outcomes. Black women also palpably feel the troubles breast cancer brings like fear, physical disfigurement, social isolation, being stereotyped for treatment decisions, abandonment and even death. Black women feel the myriad troubles breast cancer brings. But, Black women also know God in their troubles. They know an active God who identifies with and prioritizes their needs. They know this God, through scripture and experience, as God who puts them front and center. And because they know God as an overcomer and creative force, they know themselves as overcomers. For with God, their troubles do not last always. Black women with breast cancer construct a cultural theology of breast cancer out of knowing God. Borne out of experiences of the Black Church, womanist theology and their intersectional identities of race, class and gender, this theological investigation, informed by anthropology, examines how Black women construct an ontology of who God is and how God operates and gain a God consciousness that shapes their response to the disease. Using pain, faith and testimony as tools to struggle against breast cancer Black survivors’ theology transforms them from victims of breast cancer to change agents. Out of their lives as survivors comes a theology of complex hope- one cognizant of Black women’s breast cancer disparities, yet oriented towards Black women’s achievement of health in the present and the future– a sufficient hope to sustain Black women through it all.

Mammography Saves Lives

Mammography Saves Lives PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Breast
Languages : en
Pages : 26

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The Health Beliefs of African American Females in a Community Church Concerning Breast Screening

The Health Beliefs of African American Females in a Community Church Concerning Breast Screening PDF Author: Marva Doreen Mahone
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : African American women
Languages : en
Pages : 72

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The Health and Wellness Ministry in the African American Church

The Health and Wellness Ministry in the African American Church PDF Author: Edwin H. Hamilton
Publisher: Xulon Press
ISBN: 1594674698
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 150

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Book Description
Edwin H. Hamilton, M.D., D.Min., writes this provocative book introducing and establishing throughout the Black Church a program of Preventive Health Education through a Health and Wellness Ministry. Riggins R. Earl, Jr., Ph.D., noted theologian/philosopher, writes an insightful introduction based on Booker T. Washington?s teachings.The prevailing spiritual thought embodies I Corinthians 6:19: ?Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit??A three-part Model-in-Ministry design comprises the Minister of Health and Wellness?Preventive Health Education and Community Health Outreach. These are explained for Health Ministers and laity alike. The ministry?s theological foundation is presented succinctly. The planning of the Ministry and The Community Health Fair is clearly explained. The summary and conclusions give precise points regarding the ministry. Empowering course outlines for the Health and Wellness Ministry give concise pathways for any church to use for Health Ministry establishment. A chapter on Water and two of the author?s sermons from the Hampton University Ministers? Conference are included in this new edition.

The Influence of Culture on the Breast Health of African American Women

The Influence of Culture on the Breast Health of African American Women PDF Author: Pamela Lafon Adams
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : African American women
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Breast Cancer Among Older African American Women

Breast Cancer Among Older African American Women PDF Author: Myra Michelle DeBose
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Speaking of Health

Speaking of Health PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309072719
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 377

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Book Description
We are what we eat. That old expression seems particularly poignant every time we have our blood drawn for a routine physical to check our cholesterol levels. And, it's not just what we eat that affects our health. Whole ranges of behaviors ultimately make a difference in how we feel and how we maintain our health. Lifestyle choices have enormous impact on our health and well being. But, how do we communicate the language of good health so that it is uniformly received-and accepted-by people from different cultures and backgrounds? Take, for example, the case of a 66 year old Latina. She has been told by her doctor that she should have a mammogram. But her sense of fatalism tells her that it is better not to know if anything is wrong. To know that something is wrong will cause her distress and this may well lead to even more health problems. Before she leaves her doctor's office she has decided not to have a mammogram-that is until her doctor points out that having a mammogram is a way to take care of herself so that she can continue to take care of her family. In this way, the decision to have a mammogram feels like a positive step. Public health communicators and health professionals face dilemmas like this every day. Speaking of Health looks at the challenges of delivering important messages to different audiences. Using case studies in the areas of diabetes, mammography, and mass communication campaigns, it examines the ways in which messages must be adapted to the unique informational needs of their audiences if they are to have any real impact. Speaking of Health looks at basic theories of communication and behavior change and focuses on where they apply and where they don't. By suggesting creative strategies and guidelines for speaking to diverse audiences now and in the future, the Institute of Medicine seeks to take health communication into the 21st century. In an age where we are inundated by multiple messages every day, this book will be a critical tool for all who are interested in communicating with diverse communities about health issues.

Health Communication and Breast Cancer among Black Women

Health Communication and Breast Cancer among Black Women PDF Author: Annette D. Madlock
Publisher: Lexington Books
ISBN: 0739185160
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 113

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Book 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.