Diseases of heart Diseases of heart
1. Cancer storytelling. One theme was the ubiquitous nature of cancer and that the members of the community expect to get cancer. Many par- ticipants believed that “cancer was more a hereditary thing” because of family histories.
2. Cancer collectiveness. Rural families tend to rely on themselves. 3. Health care challenges. Participants were doubtful about their ability to
navigate and trust the health care system. They also told of the state’s history of overlooking the people in this community.
4. Cancer expectations. Some rural people may not embrace what are seen as basic patients’ rights.
The key discoveries were that the cancer experience in Appalachia appears to be affected uniquely by cultural, economic, and geographic influences; that health care professionals and researchers must respect and partner with existing social and familial community networks; and the use of community research review work is a viable method to examine cancer disparities in a marginalized popula- tion. Suggestions from this study supported the need for patient navigators and advocate services to reach communities and bridge the gaps between the health care system and laypeople. Cancer information should be tailored to individual patients’ attributes, such as education and literacy levels and cultural and familial beliefs.