Describing Self-Advocacy in Underrepresented Women With Advanced Cancer

Self-advocacy is the ability of a patient to have their needs met when faced with a challenge. Self-advocacy behaviors include navigating complex medical systems, communicating with the healthcare team, collaborating in decision-making regarding treatment, having input regarding the impact of disease and its treatment on quality of life, and using social networks for support (Thomas et al., 2021). Self-advocating is important for individuals with advanced cancer because of their ongoing need for treatment and the common side effects and complications of cancer and treatment.