Breast Cancer Communication

Communication about breast cancer is prevalent and occurs across all domains and contexts of human communication. Several aspects of the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer have resulted in controversy, and recent technological and scientific innovations and discoveries are leading to changes in the way scholars, activists, and others talk about breast cancer. Communication is an important tool in increasing breast cancer awareness and the adoption of appropriate prevention strategies.

Mass media efforts to communicate the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and survival of breast cancer began fairly recently in U.S. history, perhaps most notably with reports of the experiences of First Ladies Betty Ford and Nancy Reagan. Today, media coverage about breast cancer is widespread and varied, addressing issues ranging from diagnosis and treatment, to fund-raising ...