Abstract
Little research is currently available that captures variation in the degree to which individuals who have, or had cancer in the past (but are in remission) integrate their cancer experience into their sense of self or their cancer-associated identity. Such research should cover how those identities shape personal narratives within existing or new social networks so that, ultimately, we understand the implications for treatment choices and health outcomes. Particularly understudied are the social factors influencing the incorporation of cancer into identity, learning, and behavior. Social network analysis captures specific relationships, what they offer, and the structure or constellation of these relationships around someone who has cancer or has had cancer. Some studies point to potential cultural differences in ethnic or social groups in how social influences on the cancer experience play out in terms of individual coping strategies. In some populations, social cohesion or tight networks are common and of particular importance to individuals and include social institutions like church communities. Social status might also generate social pressures not typically noticed or experienced by other groups. We will discuss how social network analysis can be used to elucidate these factors and, conversely, how the specific context of cancer diagnosis can be used through social network analysis to better understand the role of community in helping individuals address situations of severe adversity.
Highlights
This mini review tries to shed light on how social network analysis helps us understand the impact of social support and social interactions on patients in the cancer care continuum—from cancer prevention to survivorship
Individuals who seek emotional support directly from others are considered empathy seekers and providers; those who seek and discuss medical information related to their specific disease are information seekers and providers; and those who begin to support a community of cancer patients and survivors are advocates
Some individuals may retreat from social connections and keep their diagnosis private, because they don’t like sharing personal details with others, because they see themselves as a burden to others if they did, or because sharing would force them to acknowledge the disease
Summary
This mini review tries to shed light on how social network analysis helps us understand the impact of social support and social interactions on patients in the cancer care continuum—from cancer prevention to survivorship. Pertinent social factors that intersect with different kinds of social status (e.g., gender, ethnicity) include family, survivor support groups, health care providers, friends/coworkers/employers/other acquaintances and, increasingly, people in online social networks. Relationships with these different roles produce social constraints, opportunities, and types of connections and resources. We are exploring how the constellations of pertinent social factors might interact in creating new identities for some people; identities that are adapted to this potentially life-threatening situation of cancer This manuscript covers social network analysis and cancer, and it focuses on how interpersonal relations might impact the ways in which people form new identities when they have cancer. In the rest of this review, we do not consider those areas of social network analysis— rather only interpersonal relations of people with cancer or caregivers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
