Photovoice: A Needs Assessment of African American Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The goal of this research was to understand the barriers and challenges that African American cancer survivors experience after being diagnosed with cancer. The authors provided 20 cancer survivors and caregivers with cameras to take pictures of their needs right after they were diagnosed with cancer. Most importantly, a major theme that arose from the participants’ responses was the lack of culturally-specific support services located within their neighborhoods. Other needs included lack of social support, a lack of resources related to appearance, a lack of resources for continued care, and especially a lack of support services for children of survivors.