This study explores, describes, explains, and analyzes the experiences of African-American women with breast cancer. The study gives 'voice to African-American' women through the use of oral narratives. Starting from an 'informant as expert' position, nine African-American women with breast cancer tell their stories about their illness episode from the time of their diagnosis to the post treatment period. African-American women in this study have diverse responses to a breast cancer diagnosis, and they seek help for such a diagnosis through informal and formal networks. Religious and spiritual activities in the lives of these women were central to their treatment experience. Critical commonalities, such as help-seeking and caregiving, are described, and the unique experiences related to breast cancer are discussed. The breast cancer experience is thus analyzed using womanist and developmental positions which help to create a larger narrative about African-American women and illness. Implications for social work practice in the areas of policy, education, research, and direct practice are also discussed
