Thinking outside the pink
Posted: June 21, 2013
When tragedy strikes, it changes who we are. That’s what happened to Michele Doughty, DHEd, ’11, when her dear friend lost her life to breast cancer. What started as a personal experience grew into a research project and became a lifelong passion.
“When she died, I couldn’t believe that in our modern day society of cutting-edge research and advances in medicine, so many women are still dying from breast cancer,” says Dr. Doughty. “It was an awakening for me; what should we do to take a preventative approach?”
That’s what sparked her interest in breast cancer research. After learning very little research was conducted on breast cancer in young women, particularly African Americans, she decided to make her research focus as an SHM doctoral student on just that. At first, her research study was not well received because many believe only postmenopausal women can get the disease. Conversely, Dr. Doughty learned that young African American women have a higher prevalence and a more aggressive type of breast cancer that is harder to control.
“Sometimes, women who have breast cancer don’t want to be reminded they have breast cancer every day.” – Dr. Doughty
In her applied research, Dr. Doughty designed and implemented an evidence-based breast cancer intervention course. The course tailors to young women to increase the understanding of breast cancer and preventive services.
“We have to begin looking at the phenomenon of breast cancer like we never have before,” Dr. Doughty says. “We need to be prepared for the number of breast cancer cases to double, even triple, over the next 10 years. We have to look globally for answers and break down cultural barriers about breast cancer.”
Along with her research and contextual models, Dr. Doughty is working to establish her own holistic coalition through her website, www.heinfo.org. Dr. Doughty says women appreciate that her website isn’t overwhelmingly pink. She has found that while the pink movement is symbolic of breast cancer, big pink balloons can put women off and be overwhelming to those who have lost loved ones.
That’s why Dr. Doughty uses what she’s learned to speak to young women about breast cancer. Her advocacy focuses on a vivid and real environment, prevention, and a place to ask questions and talk about the facts. It’s about working with organizations and changing perceptions that young women can and do get breast cancer—just like her friend.