My Research

An exploration of the experiences and perceptions of young women living with a history of breast cancer in the UK

My doctoral research was a qualitative study exploring the issues faced by women diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45. I drew on theories of embodiment, biographical disruption, and gender and intersectionality, to examine the experiences of young women. While there is much research about the experience of breast cancer, few studies have explored the phenomenon from a younger woman's perspective, despite 20% of breast cancers being diagnosed in women under 50.

I am now a Research Fellow in the Division of Health Sciences.

PhD in Health and Social Studies

Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning

Supervisors: Christine Harrison and Eileen McLeod

Funding: Economic and Social Research Council 1+3 Funding

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My academic interests include:

• Illness experience
• Identity
• The body
• Gender
• Feminist research
• Cancer in culture and society
• Women's health
• Risk and uncertainty

Education and funding:

2011-2015 PhD at University of Warwick, ESRC funded. Title: An exploration of the experiences and perceptions of young women living with a history of breast cancer in the UK.

2010-2011: MA in Applied Social Research with specialism in Health at University of Warwick, ESRC funded. Dissertation title: 'Pink Ribbon Culture and the Body as a Site of Political Activity'.

2007-2010: BScEcon Sociology at Cardiff University (First Class Honours)

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Publications and conference papers

'Waiting for Cancer to Come: Women’s Experiences with Genetic Testing and Medical Decision Making for Breast and Ovarian Cancer by Sharlene Hesse-Biber'. Reviewed in Sociology of Health and Illness [Forthcoming]

‘Age-related uncertainty in the accounts of young women living with a history of breast cancer’. Uncertain futures in health and illness (BSA regional postgraduate event) May 8th 2015, Royal Holloway, University of London

‘“If I call myself a breast cancer survivor, when I get a recurrence I’m no longer a survivor am I?” The meaning of the term ‘breast cancer survivor’ to young women living with a history of breast cancer’. Illness, Narratives, and Imaginary Investments January 14th 2015, Cardiff University

‘Young Women Living with a ‘Risky Body’ After Breast Cancer’. BSA Ageing, Body and Society Study Group Annual Conference November 28th 2014, British Library Conference Centre, London

‘Risky Bodies and Uncertainty: Young Women Living with a History of Breast Cancer’. Poster presentation at BSA Medical Sociology Annual Conference September 10th-12th 2014, Aston University. Birmingham

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Sophie Rees

Contact me:

S dot Rees dot 1 at warwick dot ac dot uk

Tel: +44 (0) 24765 23912