THE SOCIAL FUNCTIONING OF WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LIFE WORLD: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE

Jonita Van Wyk,Charlene Carbonatto

doi:10.15270/52-3-518

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide (CANSA, 2010). The goal of this study was to explore the social functioning of women with breast cancer. A qualitative research approach was followed with a collective case study research design. In this study non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select participants. One of the themes generated was the impact of breast cancer on social functioning in the context of the life world. This theme includes changes in personality; feeling like a woman; changes in spiritual aspects; and self-image. Research showed that there were mainly positive changes experienced.

Highlights

Social work practice is focused on the improvement or restoration of social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities (Barker, 2003:408)
Health care social work practice focuses on the social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities afflicted by illness or disability
The life world of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer underlines the need for research in social functioning

Summary

Introduction

Social work practice is focused on the improvement or restoration of social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities (Barker, 2003:408). Social functioning means the fulfilment of an individual’s roles which originate as a result of the individual’s interactions with his/her own self, family, society and environment (Barker, 2003:403; New Social Work Dictionary, 1995:58). Health care social work practice focuses on the social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities afflicted by illness or disability. For the purpose of this study, the focus was on cancer, breast cancer and how it affects women’s social functioning. The life world of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer underlines the need for research in social functioning. The focus in this study was on how breast cancer affects the social functioning of women

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Conclusion