Background and Context:
Despite the absence of reliable cancer statistics in South Africa it is widely recognised that cancer is a critical issue on the African continent. There is a need for cancer to seen as a health care priority,and therefor it is important to collect authentic advocacy material will reflect the challenges that face so many cancer patients in the country
Aim:
1. To use photovoice to create evidence-based material for cancer advocacy planning and implementation .
2. To use the content in the photovoice narratives to develop cancer advocacy strategies. 3.To gather advocacy material with beneficence in mind by offering support and respect to cancer patients as part of the photovoice gathering process.
Strategy/Tactics::
Photovoice is used as an advocacy tool in a qualitative action-research method. Strategic convenience sampling . 3 data collection methods used nl ; a) online photovoice submissions via the PLWC website, b) facilitated photovoice workshops c) individual photovoice interviews. A pilot was launched in 2013 and 112 photovoice contributions were collected, analysed and the results prepared for use in advocacy workshops to be held in 2014 in South Africa.
Programme/Policy Process:
Results:
Through the thematic content analysis process 8 broad themes of cancer challenges were identified (i.e. Emotional theme; Information theme; Physical and treatment challenges theme; Powerlessness theme; Medical services theme; Financial challenges theme; Logistical, travel/transport theme; Stigma theme). To expose more detail and substance to the challenges, broad themes were further analysed into contextual themes and into further sub-themes.
Outcomes
The results of the photovoice pilot analysis yielded information about challenges of cancer in South Africa. With more than half of the photovoice contributors in the pilot sample being cancer patients from disadvantaged rural settings, it was satisfying that the convenience sampling yielded photovoice contributions from a wide geographical distribution of cancer patients.