A Holistic Approach to Empowering the Individual
Many women expressed their strong desire to see a more holistic approach to support for those living with breast cancer. Women want to be treated as "whole" individuals since breast cancer is something which affects every aspect of themselves. Once a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer her world view is changed forever. Many women need support to understand and integrate this change into their lives. They do not want their bodies, minds and souls to be treated as separate entities. They want, rather, support which goes beyond physical treatment and emotional support. While these are important, women are seeking a form of healing which addresses who they are, in the context of their lives, what some call a "soulful" approach. It is an approach which strengthens women, giving them a sense of greater control and well-being.
A holistic approach needs to be applied to the whole continuum of supports for women with breast cancer. Initiatives which help to empower women and strengthen their self-esteem give them greater capacity to communicate their needs to medical professionals. Healing is possible when a woman feels empowered:
"We need to empower women because there is such a loss through the process of diagnosis and treatment. We need to take the focus off the medical model and onto the soulful model -- what's needed is healing and empowerment."
Suggestions:
- Community groups such as self-help, women's groups and others who have capacity to address personal empowerment and self-esteem, should be encouraged to work with breast cancer support groups.
- Churches offer a natural kind of community support for many women. More awareness training for pastors and ministers is important so that women can talk freely with them about their breast cancer experiences.
- Take the focus off the medical model and onto the "soulful" model, ie. an approach which offers healing and empowerment.
Affirming Cultural Diversity