Culture And Cancer Care: Anthropological Insights in Oncology (Facing Death)

A wide-ranging study of ethnic disparities in cancer treatment Culture and Cancer Care is a unique look at cultural themes in relation to cancer, illustrated using studies from the United States and United Kingdom. This book is the first to examine how ethnic disparities can be overcome both at political and local levels. It discusses cultural competence and culturally appropriate health education, cultural variability in cancer treatments and prognosis, complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients, and palliative care across cultures. Annotation Cancer is more than a biological disease. Cultural factors are involved at every stage in the journey through cancer, from prevention to palliative care. Based upon recent studies from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, Culture and Cancer Care examines a number of cultural themes in relation to cancer, including: The disparity of rates of cancer among different ethnic groups Culture and screening Breaking bad news and communication Cultural variations in emotional responses to cancer Cultural variability in cancer treatments and the influence on prognosis Palliative care across cultures The book focuses on three main themes: culture, race and ethnicity and their relationship to cancer; the cultural context of sickness and help-seeking behaviour; the shift from biomedicine to alternative forms of treatment. Throughout the book, a critical stance is adopted towards race and culture, focusing on the relation between these concepts and social deprivation. Culture and Cancer Care is key reading for students, researchers and practitioners in oncology and palliative care, offering a clear analysis of cultural differences with regard to illness and health care, as well as suggestions of how ethnic disparities can be overcome both at a political and local level, through cultural understanding and culturally appropriate health education. This Text Examines A Number Of Cultural Themes In Relation To Cancer, Including Rates Of Incidence Among Ethnic Groups, Cultural Variability In Cancer Treatments And The Influence On Prognosis, Complimentary And Alternative Treatments, And Palliative Care Across Cultures. 1. The Relevance Of Anthropology -- 2. Screening And Cancer Prevention Across Cultures : Moving Beyond Culture -- 3. Communicating The Diagnosis And Cancer Communication -- 4. The Cultural Response To Cancer, Coping And The Role Of Religion And Spirituality -- 5. Culture, Treatment And Cancer -- 6. Complementary And Alternative Therapies In Oncology -- 7. Cultural Aspects Of Palliative Care, Death And Dying -- 8. Tackling Inequalities In Cancer Outcomes -- 9. Conclusion : An Agenda For Future Research. Simon Dein. Includes Bibliographical References And Index (p. [151]-176).