The purpose of this ethnographic study was to describe religious responses to events in the cancer trajectory of breast cancer survivors in central Appalachia. The specific aims were to describe patterns of religious responses to events in the cancer trajectory of breast cancer survivors and explore religious influences on the health of breast cancer survivors. Religion has demonstrated a positive association with health. Descriptive studies of women during the cancer trajectory (diagnosis, treatment, posttreatment) report religion as a resource for coping, meaning, and social support. How, when, and why religious responses to cancer events occur is not known, particularly among diverse populations.
Ethnography with interpretive and postmodern perspectives was the methodological approach for this study. The sample included 12 female breast cancer survivors who were native to central Appalachia, completed treatment, were no more than six years post-diagnosis, and had no cancer recurrence. Sample recruitment occurred in religious and non-religious settings. Data collection included semi-structured, in-home interviews and participant observation. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and entered into a NUD*IST qualitative software program. Data analysis identified key storylines, codes, and patterns of religiousness in each phase of the cancer trajectory.
Findings revealed different Patterns of Religiousness during each phase of the cancer trajectory. In the Awareness Phase, religious meaning of the breast problem and religious practices to prepare for diagnosis were identified. Personal prayer, religious practices for healing, and a religious struggle for meaning were reflected in the Diagnosis Phase. The Treatment Phase included prayer for guidance, organized religious practices, religious practices for symptom management, and a struggle of faith. Religious testimony, a belief that "it all works together" for healing, religious meaning of breast cancer, and spiritual growth were reflected in the Post-treatment Phase.
The findings provided preliminary evidence that religious responses were varied and provided a resource in coping with events across the breast cancer trajectory. Positive and negative religious influences on the health of breast cancer survivors occurred across the trajectory. Implications for nursing practice and research included suggestions for culturally-based religious/spiritual nursing interventions and further study of the health benefits of religious responses to cancer events.
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