Breast cancer and incarcerated women: risk, prevention, and coping in prison. (1st January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Komorosky, Dawna; Ituarte, Silvina
• Is Part Of: International journal of qualitative research in services. Volume 1:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 113
• Page End: 124
• Publication Date: 2013-01-01
• Subjects: inmate health -- females -- corrections -- breast cancer -- incarcerated women; Service industries -- Research -- Periodicals; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; 338.4700072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-0500

Abstract

As the US and European correctional systems concentrate on incapacitation and punishment, healthcare for incarcerated women continues to suffer. Female inmates, who frequently experience histories of abuse, a substandard quality of life, and limited access to medical attention before entering the system, additionally possess risk factors associated with breast cancer. These women typically do not seek treatment or preventative services while living in mainstream society and therefore have an increased need for healthcare education and services upon entering the correctional system. This analysis examines the limited existing knowledge concerning correctional healthcare, reveals breast cancer rates among incarcerated women, and addresses the challenges of prevention, treatment, and coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer while in prison. Eight recommendations are proposed.