Social networks are identified in theory and policies as ways to support women and their relatives during breast cancer journeys. In southern Thailand, there are unique health care circumstances, population demographics, ways of life, and traditional beliefs related to health. Therefore women with breast cancer in southern Thailand may have unique personal social networks.

In this paper I will present preliminary findings of a qualitative case study related to the characteristics of personal social networks of breast cancer patients. Five women agreed to participate. Data collection activities included conversations, interviews, observations, document analysis and social network mapping. Individuals identified by the women as their significant network members were also involved through individual or group conversations and interviews.

Analysis demonstrated that the women’s personal social networks were predominantly family-based, and family and work place-based, with some overlap. Most relationships between network members formed pre breast cancer diagnosis and were maintained during the cancer journey. Some women identified health professionals in their social networks; however, these relationships were of a temporary nature. Network relationships formed with other breast cancer patients usually developed during treatment phases and some continued post treatment. The structures and characteristics of the networks were dynamic. A particular feature identified was the contraction of broader community links during treatment phases related to cultural beliefs about serious illness. Personal social networks functioned in different ways with some controlled by the women, some coordinated by network members, and some demonstrating a team approach. Network characteristics were influenced by the prior personal health and illness experiences of the women with breast cancer and their network members.

These preliminary findings illustrate the importance of personal social networks during women’s journeys with breast cancer and provide health professionals with some understandings of the ways in which network characteristics can differ between individual women.