The Social Construction of Breast Cancer in Mass Media and Its Influence on Public Understanding
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to assess the ways in which mass media play a significant role in constructing the sociocultural meanings embedded in the public's understanding of breast cancer as a social problem, a disease, and personal illness experience. The research project encompasses four phases including: (1) an historical investigation of how breast cancer has been publicly depicted in popular print media from 1965-1995; (2) an analysis of how four specific controversies regarding diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment, and genetic testing have been presented in current popular print media; (3) an examination of the implications of entertainment television's appropriation of breast cancer as subject matter; and (4) a meta-analysis of the sociocultural impact of popular portrayals of breast cancer on citizen decision-making. Initial results for the first annual report focus on print media depictions of breast cancer from 1965-1983. During this period, there is a continuous thematic progression from the glorification of scientific progress and physician dominance toward the emergence of patient choice and autonomy, especially in the arena of treatment decisions. Implicit in this progression is also a subtle shift toward regarding patients as more responsible for their health care, as well as an incipient critique of the medical establishment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA368479
Entities
People
- Barbara F. Sharf
Organizations
- University of Illinois at Chicago