A Window of Pain: American Indian cancer patient and survivor drawings

Pain can be a symptom of cancer and it can be a result of cancer treatment. Pain can also be difficult to convey to others, especially to healthcare providers. Researchers, developing a cancer symptom management intervention among 400 Southwest American Indians, were provided “pictures of pain,” individual drawings offered by cancer patients and survivors during focus groups. These pictures opened a window into the experience of pain, reflected through the eyes of the study's participant.

Twelve focus group sessions (N= 85) held at four sites (reservation, urban setting, and hospital/clinic) elicited information from American Indian cancer patients and survivors. In addition to verbal communication, participants offered drawings to explain their pain during the cancer experience. Pain was described as instruments of sharp pins, fire, and knives. Other describe pain as sorrowful, breaking the emotions, and taking away the day.

This paper examines these patients/survivor drawings within the context of history – in terms of ledger art, expression of storytelling, and creative expression. As a communication tool, art can bridge a gap and may provide greater explanatory constructs than verbal descriptors. Also art as therapy is an important tool.

Drawings that allow us to see the pain that American Indian patients bear, provides a window into their experience. It also provides a therapeutic exercise that can be healing to the patient. Improving communication through the milieu of art expression is an important tool – one which must not be ignored when cancer patients presents this window to the world.