Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Regardless of age, breast cancer patients seek support in their mother-daughter bond. Yet, their developmental phase at diagnosis affects their cancer-related concerns. Thus, it is likely that their mother-daughter communication will differ as well. This study explores how developmentally diverse women communicatively adjust to cancer in this bond. Socioemotional selectivity theory was used to explore age differences in communication preferences and heighten health professionals’ awareness of the importance of family communication in patients’ adjustment.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify distinctions within women of Hispanic origin that explain their breast health screening practices and preferences for receiving breast health information. We conducted four focus group involving 20 Hispanic women aged 35 or older. We utilized fantasy theme analysis (Bormann, 1985) and discovered five distinct character types: intimidated no-action, intimidated action, prohibited, proactive individualist, and proactive collectivist. Each of these character types had different action and scenes in which they engaged (or did not engage) in breast cancer screening. Furthermore, each character type had specific preferences in regard to the receipt of breast health information. We discuss these preferences and note implications for designing effective communication campaigns targeting various character types of Hispanic women.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The internet is a prominent source of health information for the public. This research evaluated both basic use and design tenets and the presence of theoretical components to motivate healthy breast cancer behavior for users of the most frequented breast cancer websites. Methodology: Each website was evaluated with two sets of questions. The first attends to the basic use and design tenets of the website. The second coding form assessed the websites use of three behavior change theories. Results: The majority of the websites fared well with regards to their use of basic tenet and design principles. Theoretical components were used sparingly on the majority of websites. Discussion: The most frequented breast cancer websites are currently well equipped with basic use and design tenets. However, their lack of behavioral change components is likely to impede users’ motivations to protect themselves against breast cancer.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Although U.S. environmental breast cancer activists have been concerned with numerous types of toxins, in the mid 1990s they became especially interested in a group of chemicals called endocrine disrupters. These homone mimicking chemicals are believed to cause breast cancer and an array of other conditions afflicting women, men, children and wildlife. In this paper, I discuss how breast cancer activists’ interest in "endocrine disrupter theory" have led them to construct "disease kinships" between breast cancer and this array of disorders afflicting other human and non-human populations—specifically children, men, and wildlife—as well as the earth itself I also highlight how, and to what extent, activists’ efforts on behalf of these other populations differ; whereas activists have done much to protect the health of children, they have done less to promote the health of men, wildlife and the earth’s natural resources. Such differences demonstrate that activists’ disease-kinship building is not just a biological and scientific process, but also a cultural, political and ideological one.

Publication Type: Invited Paper