Communication, Cultural Models of Breast Cancer Beliefs and Screening Mammography: An Assessment of Attitudes Among Haitian Immigrant Women in Eastern MA

Abstract

Abstract : Many Haitian adhere to a traditional system of attitudes and beliefs about health and illness, which may result in delays in presentation for breast cancer and other serious illnesses, but are readily forthcoming about this adherence. Many Haitian immigrant women are not aware of the purpose of screening mammography, and present late for evaluation of breast lumps and abnormal findings at mammography. Reliable knowledge of factors associated with cultural beliefs about breast cancer will allow accurate, culturally tailored interventions to be developed and implemented, and may reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from late presentation in Haitian women with breast cancer. This is an in-person, randomized, cross-sectional survey of 250 women, 40 years of age and older, who reside in or near Haitian neighborhoods in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brockton, all cities known to have neighborhoods with high concentrations of Haitian families. Through this innovative study, we will provide credible evidence about cultural factors that may contribute to delays in cancer screening and/or impede cancer evaluation and treatment. Our findings will allow accurate, effective cultural interventions to be designed, based on data collected from the target population.