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Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Stigmatized or Member of an Empowered Sisterhood?

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Book cover Stigma and Prejudice

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Psychiatry ((CCPSY))

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Abstract

Breast cancer remains the most feared health condition women face - evoking anxiety and persistent stigma. However, it is no longer the shameful secret that it once was. As a result of the women’s health movement—both individual advocates and a sisterhood of breast cancer organizations—the discourse has evolved from deformity and victimization to feminine strength, economic power, and beauty. Compared to other health conditions, breast cancer has garnered a disproportionate share of media attention, research funding, and legislative action. The movement’s emphasis on staying positive, wearing pink, and joining the cause has not resonated for all. Alternate groups have chosen rather to celebrate women for their activism, encouraging expressions of sadness, and even anger, and to challenge establishment priorities.

The response to breast cancer is as unique to the individual, as this disease is heterogeneous. Cancer of the breast is not a single disease but rather a spectrum of cancers with a range of highly variable presentations, prognoses, and treatments. The current treatment paradigm requires patient choice at nearly every juncture, adding to the pressure, confusion, and daunting degree of personal responsibility its victims feel. Ultimately, the patient’s capacity to cope with the attendant vulnerability and potential feelings of stigma, anticipates both her ability to complete treatment and thrive in the future.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, PA, USA

    Daleela G. Dodge MD, FACS

  2. LG Health Breast Service, Ann B Barshinger Cancer Center, Lancaster, PA, USA

    Daleela G. Dodge MD, FACS

  3. School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA

    Andrew M. Jarowenko (Undergraduate Student)

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  1. Daleela G. Dodge MD, FACS
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Correspondence to Daleela G. Dodge MD, FACS .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Ranna Parekh

  2. Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Ed W. Childs

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Dodge, D.G., Jarowenko, A.M. (2016). Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Stigmatized or Member of an Empowered Sisterhood?. In: Parekh, R., Childs, E. (eds) Stigma and Prejudice. Current Clinical Psychiatry. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27580-2_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27580-2_9

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-27578-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-27580-2

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