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Dead by 50: Lay expertise and breast cancer screening

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  • Barker, Kristin K.
  • Galardi, Tasha R.

Abstract

This paper examines the reactions of women with breast cancer to the 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for mammography screening. Specifically, it analyzes electronic postings about the Task Force's recommendations from five breast cancer discussion boards between November 17, 2009 and December 17, 2009. Women's opposition to the recommendations is best understood as a clash between scientific and lay expertise concerning the priorities of medicine and notions of evidentiary significance. We highlight the connective logic - or connectivity - that underlies lay expertise in the electronic era. Connectivity is a unique way of knowing that emerges from an experiential connection to illness and a virtual connection to others with the same illness. Connectivity is based on forms of evidence that enhance the moral authority of lay claims for medical succor. Connectivity is a potent element in contemporary lay challenges to scientific expertise and will become increasingly influential as online illness affiliation becomes ever more commonplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Barker, Kristin K. & Galardi, Tasha R., 2011. "Dead by 50: Lay expertise and breast cancer screening," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(8), pages 1351-1358, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:72:y:2011:i:8:p:1351-1358
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lantz, Paula M. & Booth, Karen M., 1998. "The social construction of the breast cancer epidemic," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 46(7), pages 907-918, April.
    2. Casiday, Rachel Elizabeth, 2007. "Children's health and the social theory of risk: Insights from the British measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) controversy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(5), pages 1059-1070, September.
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    1. Solbjør, Marit & Skolbekken, John-Arne & Sætnan, Ann Rudinow & Hagen, Anne Irene & Forsmo, Siri, 2012. "Mammography screening and trust: The case of interval breast cancer," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(10), pages 1746-1752.
    2. Rueger, Jasmina & Dolfsma, Wilfred & Aalbers, Rick, 2021. "Perception of peer advice in online health communities: Access to lay expertise," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    3. Gaspar, Mark & Rosenes, Ron & Burchell, Ann N. & Grennan, Troy & Salit, Irving & Grace, Daniel, 2020. "Diagnosing uncertainty: The challenges of implementing medical screening programs for minority sub-populations in Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    4. Foster, Drew, 2016. "‘Keep complaining til someone listens’: Exchanges of tacit healthcare knowledge in online illness communities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 25-32.
    5. David Schleifer & David J Rothman, 2012. "“The Ultimate Decision Is Yours”: Exploring Patients’ Attitudes about the Overuse of Medical Interventions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(12), pages 1-6, December.

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