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Medical Advocacy among Latina Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Author

Listed:
  • Paola Torres

    (University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Judith Guitelman

    (Asociación Latina de Asistencia y Prevención del Cáncer de Mama (ALAS-WINGS), Chicago, IL 60657, USA)

  • Araceli Lucio

    (The Resurrection Project, Chicago 60608, IL, USA)

  • Christine Rini

    (Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA)

  • Yamilé Molina

    (University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
    Hospital & Health Sciences Systems Mile Square Health Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

Abstract

Medical advocacy has continued to significantly impact quality of life and survivorship outcomes among Latina breast cancer survivors in the United States. However, little is known about the unique experiences of Latina survivors, including the perceived value, process, and context in which they practice medical advocacy. To help address this gap, we conducted a qualitative, secondary analysis of semi-structured focus groups with 18 Latina breast cancer survivors from Chicago, Illinois. Eligible women had to self-identify as (1) female, (2) Latina, (3) 18 years or older, and (4) having a breast cancer diagnosis 5 years ago or more. In total, 61% of participants were 50–59 years old, 83% were born in Mexico, and 100% spoke Spanish. The three emergent themes from the focus groups were (1) the cultural need for Latina advocates and support groups; (2) the process and experiences of becoming a community advocate within Latine culture; and (3) the cultural contexts for advocacy by Latina breast cancer survivors. Latina survivor advocates share strengths of receiving ongoing health education, peer support, and access to resources when being linked to a support group furthering their exposure to role models, increasing their awareness of opportunities in medical advocacy, and providing an entry to participate in medical advocacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Paola Torres & Judith Guitelman & Araceli Lucio & Christine Rini & Yamilé Molina, 2024. "Medical Advocacy among Latina Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:4:p:495-:d:1377793
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rose Hennessy Garza & Michelle Y. Williams & Shana O. Ntiri & Michelle DeCoux Hampton & Alice F. Yan, 2022. "Intersectionality Impacts Survivorship: Identity-Informed Recommendations to Improve the Quality of Life of African American Breast Cancer Survivors in Health Promotion Programming," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-12, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shaila M. Strayhorn-Carter & Ken Batai & Francine C. Gachupin, 2024. "Types of Racism and Health Disparities and Inequalities among Cancer Patients: An Editorial Reflection of Articles in This Special Issue of IJERPH," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-8, June.

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