Date of Award

Fall 1999

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

First Advisor

Julia Perilla

Second Advisor

Linda Bell

Third Advisor

Carolyn Denard

Abstract

Introduction:

Finding "one's voice" or the voice of those who have been silenced over many years, can be a challenging process when researching or writing about Latino issues. That was certainly the case when upon being diagnosed with breast cancer, I decided to investigate if Latinas were at risk for higher rates of undetected breast cancer. Although cancer seems to be more openly discussed in the dominant Anglo culture in the United States, many women from other cultures tend to resist any kind of discussion related to this dreaded disease for a variety of reasons. For instance, the majority of Latinos tend to believe that cancer is a death sentence. We could surmise that this fear stems from a personal experience whereby a friend, relative or fellow-worker died upon being diagnosed with cancer.

However, many Latinos are unaware that most cancer deaths are preventable if detected and treated early. Another reason for the fear may be attributed to past medical abuse. Although I had medical insurance and the education to understand about the importance of preventative care, I never went to the doctor for yearly exams because of my distrust in the medical community. As a child I heard stories of how doctors experimented on Puerto Rican women and I did not want to be a victim. Ironically enough, I learned about the my breast cancer while being treated for a job injury. Consequently, I felt the impersonal attitude of the oncologist as he pressured me to undergo a radical double mastectomy and flatly refused to answer my list of questions for lack of time. He then proceeded to give 2 me the latest copy of the New England Journal of Medicine as a resource guide. As a result of this indifference I did not return to the doctor for quite some time. The distrust of the medical community, cultural beliefs about fatalism, and system barriers to healthcare could have cost me my life. This "rupture point" in my life spawned a transformation and an insatiable interest in women's health issues, especially as they relate to Latina women. (Fonow and Cook 1991).

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/373m-dr54

File Upload Confirmation

1

Download

Share

COinS