Abstract:
The purpose of this anthropological research is to understand the modem illness
experience of childhood cancer in Tanzania. I conducted field research by direct
observation of a children's cancer ward in the fall of 2012 while serving as an intern for
a Tanzanian childhood cancer support organization. This thesis specifically examines methods of communication between medical practitioners and children and their
families; pain expression and alleviation for the patients; and the individuals and groups that provide support. The results found that challenges in communication stem from unwieldy but necessary linguistic and cultural translation due to the multi-cultural
nature of the ward. When verbal communication fails, volunteers, therapists, and
doctors use acting and visual images to more effectively communicate with the children.
Children also learn appropriate ways to express pain from their surroundings, so as they grow they communicate pain in a culturally appropriate way. Relieving pain is also a challenge because palliative care in Tanzania is severely lacking, so medical
practitioners explore creative approaches to alleviate both physical and emotional pain.
Families and local actors help children navigate their treatment while at the children's ward, and simultaneously local and international bodies provide the infrastructure,
salaries, and medications. Ideally Tanzania would create a pediatric oncology training program, build more facilities, and improve access to treatment and palliative care
options. The advancements made in the last decade, and the continued efforts being
made currently, gives each child a better chance of survival to a life cancer free.
Description:
64 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of International Studies and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Arts, Spring 2014.