title: The novella approach to inform women living on low income about early breast cancer detection.
abstract: Economically disadvantaged women have a greater likelihood of later-stage breast cancer diagnosis when compared to women with higher levels of income. Later-stage diagnosis decreases the chances of survival. The purpose of this article is to describe a project whereby breast cancer survivors, living on lower incomes, created novellas (stories) using artistic media to reach their peers with a message about the importance of early breast cancer detection. The recruitment and engagement of breast cancer survivors in a 2-year community development project that used participatory, women-driven approaches are discussed, and the reciprocal learning between health care providers, community partners, and women living on low income is shared. Recommendations for health promotion practice are presented.
authors.affiliation: Healthy Childhood for the Calgary Health Region in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Herbison
authors.forename: Wendi
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lokanc-Diluzio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002170:Canada; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008512:Medicine in the Arts; D008875:Middle Aged; D011203:Poverty; D012613:Sculpture; D012944:Social Support