Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Communication, Professional
Date of Award
5-2010
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kelly A. Dorgan
Committee Members
Amber E. Kinser, Sadie Hutson
Abstract
The Appalachian region is known for its beautiful mountains, close-knit communities, and health care disparities including higher rates of cancer and premature mortality. Being diagnosed with cancer in the region may present a unique experience for survivors in regards to family cancer communication and changing personal identities. In a multiphasic study, the stories of 29 female Appalachian cancer survivors were collected through either a day-long modified story circle event (n=26) or an in-depth interview (n=3). Qualitative content analysis was used to identify emergent themes in the data. The analysis revealed 5 types of family cancer communication and five barriers to family cancer communication. The analysis additionally revealed the identity struggle women experience between maintaining traditional Appalachian gender roles and surviving cancer. These findings suggest that female Appalachian cancer survivors appear to have additional challenges that may make the cancer experience in Appalachia unique.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Duvall, Kathryn L., "Surviving Cancer in Appalachia: A Qualitative Study of Family Cancer Communication and Changing Personal Identities Through the Cancer Journey." (2010). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1677. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1677
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.