The impact of the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in black and Asian women

Abstract

Purpose – Given the high number of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the aim of this paper is to identify any culturally specific concerns of black and Asian women diagnosed with breast cancer. Design/methodology/approach – This study was designed as a qualitative study. Using focus groups and follow-up interviews participants were able to express their attitudes, beliefs and feelings around breast cancer detection and diagnosis. The focus groups replicated a social gathering rather than a formalised research interview and thus participants were able to freely express their views and agree or disagree with other focus group participants. Findings – Breast cancer is not well known within the black and minority ethnic (BME) communities and women are unlikely to regularly check their breasts. BME women are less likely to attend breast cancer screening and may ignore mammogram appointments. Young BME women do not perceive themselves as “at risk” of breast cancer. Fear of having cancer in the family and social taboos meant there are cases of BME women not discussing their diagnosis outside immediate family. Research limitations/implications – Although it is anticipated that the findings will be generalisable to BME women throughout the UK it must be recognised that this was a study of 33 BME breast cancer patients in nine London Trusts. Interviewees were only with women who came forward and had gone through treatment, which by definition did not include those “hidden” within their communities. As a qualitative study the aim was to identify a broad range of experiences rather than to represent these experiences numerically, further large-scale research may be appropriate. Practical implications – The development of specifically designed BME patient care may be informed by this research. Originality/value – This paper identifies the need for culturally specific care of BME women during the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.