Konstruksi Sosial Masyarakat tentang Pengetahuan Kanker Payudara dan Strategi Pemberdayaan Melalui Intervensi Pencegahannya di Kota Bontang, Kalimantan Timur

Abstract

Currently, the case of breast cancer continues to increase. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, more than 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer were recorded worldwide, accounting for about 11.7% of all newly diagnosed cancers. This has also penetrated into developing countries including Indonesia. Bontang is one of the cities that experiences similar situation. However, the problem is that many breast cancer patients still seek help when they are already in an advanced stage. This is influenced by several factors, including the social construction that is developing in society. The purpose of this study was to analyze the social construction of society about breast cancer knowledge and community empowerment strategies through prevention intervention in the city of Bontang, East Kalimantan, using qualitative research methods with snowball sampling data collection techniques. The total number of informants was 13 people for field studies through interviews and 33 people through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) which were divided into 5 groups. The results of the study indicate that there is a lack of public knowledge about breast cancer and early prevention through BSE. The developing social construction refers to the stigma of self image, psychological and social that influences the community’s self concept towards breast cancer. This affects the choice of decisions in its treatment. Community empowerment is needed regarding breast cancer prevention in Bontang City by integrating social construction into community-based interventions using a holistic approach at the micro, meso and macro levels. Thus, the dialectic of social construction will be formed in the externalization process through the structure of health institutions. Furthermore, the formation of the objectification process by including cultural aspects and internalization processes in the formation of agents at the government, community and group/individual levels. Recommendations are given to the Bontang City Government by implementing a community-based community empowerment strategy, with a holistic approach and strengthening the involvement of health social workers.