Section I: Breast Cancer Among Minorities
Section I-b: Keywords
Section II: Non-Internet Sources
Section III: Electronic Indexes and Databases
Section IV: Web sites
Section V: Mini-Essay
Breast Cancer Among Minorities
Section I
Linda McDougal appeared in newspapers across the nation in January of
this year because the doctors made a mistake. A BIG MISTAKE. McDougal
was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and the doctors highly
recommended the removal of both her breasts. After her surgery, she was
told that her test results had been switched with another woman’s
test results, and that she did not have breast cancer at all.
This is one of the many horror stories that have occurred throughout the
years, although this case ranks high in extremity. On top of the stress
of having to make sure the doctor a woman chooses to assist her through
this time is qualified, breast cancer can make a woman’s life (or
a man’s life though not quite as common) a living nightmare.
Breast cancer affects people of all ages, races, and social classes. From
my own personal experience, I can remember how worried and scared I was
when my mother awaited her test results. During that time, my family had
to address issues, especially financial issues, that we never had to consider
before. Gratefully, my mother’s test results came back negative,
and now we are all more conscious about our health.
What exactly is breast cancer and what are its characteristics (specifically
the symptoms and treatments)? What is a mammography and how does race
affect treatment for breast cancer victims? How many women (although many
men have been diagnosed with it) suffer from breast cancer? Which minority
groups are most susceptible to getting breast cancer? These are some of
the questions I want to answer through my research. My intended audience
would be readers of any health or medical-related magazines, particularly
women’s health magazines. However, I think readers of all types
would benefit from this research, especially college girls who tend to
overlook the possibility of breast cancer at such a young age.
1.) Library Catalogs:
a.) breast cancer AND women
b.) breast cancer AND (treatments or mammograms)
c.) breast cancer AND minorities NOT men
2.) Lexis-Nexis:
(Quick News Search):
a.) “breast cancer” women
b.) “breast cancer” treatments (Guided News Search):
a.) “breast cancer” AND minorit! NOT
men
(note: news category = medical news)
3.) Internet Search Engines: <http://www.metacrawler.com/>
a. breast cancer NOT history
b. breast cancer AND women AND treatments
c. breast cancer AND minorities NOT symptoms
6 Electronic Indexes and Databases Sources Section III
•Farley, Melissa Minkoff, Jerome R. Barkan, Howard. 2001. “Breast
Cancer
Treatment and Trauma History.” Women & Health v34, no.2: 15.
Database
on-line. Available from OCLC, First Search [1 Feb 2003].
•Gayal, H.H., R.N. Power, C. Chiu. “Race and Socioeconomic
Status in
Survival From Breast Cancer.” Journal of Chronic Disability, 35:
8: pp. 675-
683. 1982. Database on-line. Available from BiblioLine, Women’s
Studies
International. [1 Feb. 2003].
•Key, Sandra W., Michelle Marble. “Fear, Distrust Keep Minorities
From
Diagnosis, Treatment.” Cancer Weekly Plus, 11 Nov. 1996. Database
on-line.
Available from EBSCO Host, Health Source-Consumer Edition [1 Feb. 2003].
•Marble, Michelle. “Minority Women Avoiding Medical Exams.”
Women’s
Health Weekly, 11 September 1995. Database on-line. Available from EBSCO
Host, Health Source-Consumer Edition [1 Feb. 2003].
•Miller, Anna M., Victoria L. Champion. 1997. “Attitudes
About Breast Cancer
and Mammography: Racial, Income, and Educational Differences.” Women
&
Health v26, no.1: 41-2. Database on-line. Available from OCLC, First Search
[1 Feb. 2003].
•Nichols, Sonia. “Growth Factor Levels High Among Minority
Women With
Breast Cancer.” Women’s Health Weekly, 4 April 2002. Database
on-line. Available from EBSCO Host, Health Source-Consumer Edition [1
February 2003].
•Title: Medline Plus Health Information Web Address: http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/query?DISAMBIGUATION=true&FUNCTION=search&PARAMETER=breast+cancer&x=19&y=8 Brief Description: A general overview breast cancer,
treatments available, and valuable information on mammograms. This site
is a compilation of a variety of different sites with direct links to
each site. Source of Web site: U.S. National Library of Medicine
and the National Institutes of Health
•Title: National Women’s Health Resource Center’s
Library Titles Web Address:http://www.healthywomen.org/content.cfm?L1=2&CID=54 Brief Description: A list of books provided through NWHRC
on breast cancer and related topics. Each book title includes: author,
publication type, ISBN, publisher, and a paragraph summary. An option
to purchase books through Amazon.com is also available. Source of Web site: National Women’s Health Resource
Center
•Title of Web page: The Breast Center at Johns Hopkins Web address:http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/breastcenter/ Brief Description: Offers women information on a variety
of different topics, such as: treatments and diagnoses, support programs,
resources for professionals, “ask an expert,” and nutrition.
Source of Web site:
Lillie Shockney RN., BS., MAS
Director of Education and Outreach
The Johns Hopkins Breast Center
Also partially funded by Avon.
•Title of Web page: “Breast Cancer More Deadly for
Minorities, Study Says” Web address:http://www.freep.com/news/health/hersx21_20030121.htm Brief Description: An article by the Detroit Free Press
on one of the largest studies on breast cancer and race. Source of Web site: Detroit Free Press
•Title of Web page: “Breast Health Directory”
Web Address:http://www.unmc.edu/Olson/directories/brstdir.htm Brief Description: This site covers topics such as: breastfeeding,
breast health, breast cancer, and breast surgery. It also addresses the
issue of race and ethnicity to explain how women of different cultures
address issues regarding breast cancer and treatments. Source of Web site: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Too Embarrassed? Ask an E-doc!
(Topic Area: Net Trends and Trivia)
We have all been there. One day you discover something on your body that
was not there yesterday. You do not want to ask your best friend, and
you definitely do not feel comfortable talking to your mom and dad. You
think it could be serious, but obviously not serious enough because you
are still standing in front of the mirror instead of waiting in the doctor’s
office. You look around only to find that you are alone. Feeling hopeless,
you plop down at your computer to console yourself with a new jcrew.com
sweater, when all of a sudden the “Hallelujah!” chorus rings
down from your computer screen.
Now in the privacy of your own bedroom, you can access various sites
on the Internet that can answer all your questions about your body that
you would otherwise never ask about. You can even ask an online doctor
for an opinion! It is that easy!
There are times when a doctor’s word is not enough to console you,
and there are times when a little extra knowledge could let you rest better
at night. The Internet is a good source with a vast amount of knowledge
available. However, there are a few cons to using the Internet. Due to
the immense amount of information on the Internet, a lot of time can be
spent searching for a topic. Also, there are no filters to weed out bad
information, therefore it is especially important to choose a reliable
source. A good rule of thumb is to stick with well known names such as
Johns Hopkins University, and most importantly consult your doctor first.
The Internet should never be used as a substitute for a visit to your
doctor. Chat rooms are also a good way to get advice and discuss your
health problems with others all over the world. (1)
Kathryn Rhett is an example of how one person used the Internet for support
during her sister-in-law’s battle with breast cancer. After many
discouraging diagnoses, the family turned to the Internet for help. Through
the Web, they found information on the latest treatments, and gained general
knowledge about breast cancer. They also sent out e-mails to anyone who
could help them. Technology now allows women to research their illness,
and come prepared to the doctor’s office with possible treatments.
For this family and many others, the Internet was a source of communication
and hope. (2)
Notes:
(1.) Janice Maloney, “Finding Some Warm Havens in the Web’s
Information Blizzard,” New York Times (National Edition), 21 June
1998 vCXLVII n51, 194, 1998 p.15-25. Also available [online]: OCLC First
Search, CWI [Accessed: 1 February 2003].
(2.) Kathryn Rhett, “Joining the Web of Survival,” ON Magazine,
April 2001 v6 n2.
Also available [online]: EBSCO Host, MasterFILE Premier [Accessed: 1 February
2003].
Three Web sites:
•“Connecting Online For Support”
URL: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/24/earlyshow/series/main537891.shtml
Brief Description: Using four women who used the Internet as a support
and information source during their battle with breast cancer, this site
offers tips on surfing the Web for health advice and support.
Source of Web page: CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
