Photovoice - ECHoS - Cancer Missions Hubs

Introduction

Photovoice is a participatory research method that enables individuals to document, reflect on, and share their lived experiences through photography. Developed in 1997 by Caroline Wang and Mary Ann Burris, the method originated in rural China as a tool to promote health among women by enabling them to capture their daily realities. The resulting discussions led to meaningful social change, such as improved access to clean water.

Today, Photovoice is used worldwide for participatory research but can also be adapted and used for community engagement, advocacy, and social transformation.

Photovoice projects are often designed with one or more of the following overlapping goals:

Advocacy & Campaigning
Research & Exploration
Consultation
Monitoring & Evaluation
Co-created Resource Development
Communication & Awareness-Raising
Confidence & Skills Building

Methodological Steps

1 Define the Purpose and Research Question

Clarify the goal of the project
Identify the target population
Establish the intended policy or advocacy impact

2 Recruit and Orient Participants

Engage community members as co-researchers.
Provide an orientation session explaining:
- Project goals and ethics
- Basics of photography
- Informed consent and safety

3 Training on Ethics and Photography

Photographic ethics (e.g., permission, dignity)
Technical skills (camera use, framing, lighting)
How to represent ideas and experiences visually

4 Photo Assignment(s)

Provide thematic prompts (e.g., “What does health mean to you?”).
Allow time for participants to take photos in their daily lives.
Multiple rounds of photography may be used in iterative projects.

5 Photo Selection and Storytelling

Participants select photos that are meaningful to them.
Use narrative frameworks like SHOWeD to guide discussion:
- See: What do you See here?
- Happening: What is really Happening?
- Our lives: How does this relate to Our lives?
- Why: Why does this problem or strength exist?
- Do: What can we Do about it?

6 Facilitated Group Discussion

Use group sessions to foster dialogue and reflection.
Identify common themes, challenges, and strengths.

7 Data Analysis and Interpretation

Thematic analysis of photographs and narratives.
May involve co-analysis with participants to preserve authenticity.

8 Dissemination

Create a public exhibition, report, or presentation.
Engage stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
Use the photos and stories to advocate for change.

9 Follow-up and Action

Facilitate community-led action plans.
Evaluate impact and provide feedback to participants.

Here are Do's and Don't for the Photovoice method

✔ Empower participants as co-researchers, not subjects.

✔ Prioritize ethics, especially with identifiable images

✔ Ensure informed consent—both from participants and anyone in the photographs.

✔ Build trust and safe spaces for dialogue.

✔ Integrate action into the design—don’t stop at documentation.

❌ Don’t use participant photos without consent, especially for publication.

❌ Don’t assume participants have technical skills—train and support them.

❌ Don’t ignore power dynamics—facilitators must remain reflexive and humble.

❌ Don’t collect data without giving back—share results and co-create change.

❌ Don’t use Photovoice just for aesthetics—its purpose is empowerment and advocacy.

Examples in Cancer Research

Photovoice has been increasingly used in cancer research to amplify the voices of patients, survivors, and underserved communities. Below are several documented examples from the literature and recent workshops

IR Nutrition for Irish cancer survivors

O’Callaghan, N., Douglas, P., & Keaver, L. (2024): Explored the meaning of nutrition for Irish cancer survivors using photovoice. Participants shared images reflecting their post-treatment dietary choices, emotional connections to food, and everyday struggles and triumphs. Reference: BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2024:e000822.

IN Social and cultural barriers to cervical cancer screening

Adsul, P., Nayaka, S., et al. (2020): Used photovoice to examine the social and cultural barriers to cervical cancer screening in rural India. Women shared powerful visuals and narratives addressing stigma, fatalistic beliefs, and misinformation. Reference: Global Health Promotion, 27(4), 50–58

Africa Cancer awareness and prevention

Mayfield-Johnson, S., Rachal, J.R., & Butler, J. (2014): Studied empowerment among African American Community Health Advisors engaged in cancer awareness and prevention. Photovoice enabled participants to explore personal growth, community leadership, and emotional resilience. Reference: Adult Education Quarterly, 64(2), 91–109.

US Colorectal cancer screening

Hunleth, J.M., et al. (2016): Investigated how underserved populations in the US experience colorectal cancer screening. Participants highlighted healthcare access barriers, emotional distress, and personal motivations through powerful imagery. Reference: Qualitative Health Research, 26(1), 17–31.

AT ListenIN Project

The ListenIN project (2025–2027) is a research project based in Austria that uses participatory methods such as co-research and Photovoice—to improve cancer care for homeless and precariously housed individuals. It aims to raise awareness and strengthen cancer literacy among affected individuals, caretakers, professionals, and organisations.

Website: https://www.fh-campuswien.ac.at/forschung/projekte-und-aktivitaeten/listen-in-lebenswelt-orientiertes-und-systemisches-empowerment-fuer-obdach-wohnungslose-und-prekaer-wohnende-menschen-mit-krebskrankheitserfahrungen.html

Follow project results on LinkedIN: (2) ListenIN: About | LinkedIn

Photovoice Workshop in ECHoS

During the first Cancer Mission Fair in May 2025 in Warsaw, Poland a Photovoice Workshop has been performed.

You can find the powerpoint slides with examples here!

Link to ppt