can know the importance of their presence to keep the women
uplifted and motivated.
Distrust and disrespectful experiences were prevalent oc
currences between the women and the medical profession and
healthcare providers. Nurses and physicians should reflect on
their own values and beliefs about racism, sexism, ageism, tol
erance of others, and the need to be sensitive to African Ameri
can women’s anxiety and their reflection on the experiences
of women who came before them. Educators and members of
the medical profession should examine their own views about
these issues and see how they are reflected in their interaction
with learners and patients. An understanding of the distrust
and disrespect could open the door for better communication
and better learning opportunities and materials for the educa
tor, medical profession personnel, the patient, and the family.
In the same light, they should be aware of the affect of having
or not having health insurance, access to medical care, or
enough available treatment options. They should consider how
they can address these issues and inform the patient and family
of the options and where they can get assistance. Having this
information available and seeing the medical profession in a
new light may prevent many people of color from waiting until
the last minute to see a doctor.
For many communities of color, spirituality is an everyday
way of life. In other words, it is incorporated in every aspect of
what they do. This was evident in how these women depended
on their faith, prayer, and seeing some of their doctors as heal
ers. Each of the women continually “called[ed] on the name of
Jesus” to see them through their breast cancer crisis. Nursing
education and the medical profession should continue to see
how spirituality has played a role in the healing process and
find ways to integrate information within the learning process.