Cancer in full-colour: Use of a graphic novel to identify distress in women with breast cancer

Abstract

The graphic novel Cancer Vixen about breast cancer was used as an example to examine whether reading of graphic novels may enhance insight into illness experiences. Content analysis showed that the graphic novel depicts the full range of distress, by portraying practical, social, emotional, religious/spiritual and physical problems. Findings were illustrated with descriptions from the book. The results indicate that – from a content perspective – this graphic novel may be of value in medical education and health psychology settings to teach students and patients about the human side of being ill.