Communication and the Family Cancer Experience

Session Submission Type: Panel Discussion

Abstract

Though cancer is diagnosed in an individual, the experience of cancer affects the entire family. Family communication scholars are uniquely positioned to identify and explicate the processes by which communication functions in families to manage the uncertainties inherent in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This panel highlights a variety of work in family communication and cancer. Panelists will present a summary of their work and identify areas of future research in family communication and cancer.

Sub Unit

• Family Communication Division

Chair

• Bianca Wolf, University of Iowa

Respondent

• Sandra Petronio, Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ, Indianapolis

Session Organizer

• Carma Bylund, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center