Breast cancer in contemporary Greece : economic dimensions and socio-psychological effects

Abstract

The main purpose of this article is to critically complete the economic perspective regarding breast cancer offering a more spherical understanding of the disease as well focusing on its socio-psychological effects. The contribution presents some specific socio-economic features of this particular illness in contemporary Greece, emphasizing on some of the core strategies these diagnosed women apply in respect with their professional re-orientation. It as well analyses the inter-subjective experience of breast cancer in as much as participants record it as a turning point regarding their economic status, socio-psychological state, biographies and overall relationships. The paper is based both on qualitative research, grounded on fourteen biographical interviews with Greek women, experiencing breast cancer and mastectomy and on quantitative data provided by secondary inquiry. In an integrated view, it is possible to formulate some preliminary conceptual tools that can account for the economic dimensions and socio-psychological implications of the disease. Besides, we present the energetic strategies these women employ to mitigate personal suffering and transform their “harmed” body to an energetic source of professional re-orientations and biographical re-constitutions.