Cultural Beliefs, Cancer and Stigma: Experiences of Patients from Punjab (India)

Kaur, Reetinder

doi:10.1080/09735070.2015.11905442

Cited by 13 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…13 The women used to hide their disease condition to avoid social rejection, as the disease was considered to be contagious or were stigmatized. 21,22 These findings were not reported in the present study. So women used to hide their disease condition to avoid social isolation and rejection by the society.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 82%

A qualitative study on experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors in Karnataka, India

Dsouza

Vyas

Narayanan

et al. 2018

Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

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Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide and it is found to be increasing. Breast cancer survivors are threatened with various problems due to disease itself or its treatment and might exist for a long period even after treatment. The existing knowledge on experiences and needs among breast cancer survivors in India is very limited. The present study aimed to explore the experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors. Methods: In the present study qualitative study design was used and 17 breast cancer survivors, post six months of completed cancer treatment were selected using purposive sampling technique. In-depth interviews were conducted, the data was transcribed and translated and codes and theme were developed. Results: The study explored the needs and experiences of breast cancer survivors. The experiences of breast cancer survivors were as follows; awareness, psychological expressions, spirituality and misconceptions, economic burden, confinement, body image and bashfulness, maintaining secrecy, family support and physical burden. The needs of breast cancer survivors were identified as financial, informational, breast reconstruction surgery, help in household activities, family support, counseling and emotional support. Conclusion: Recognizing the experiences and needs of the breast cancer survivors by the family members, health care workers, community members and policy makers after the end of treatment is important to facilitate optimal delivery of health care at the community settings to improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 82%

A qualitative study on experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors in Karnataka, India

Dsouza

Vyas

Narayanan

et al. 2018

Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

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“…For example, fear of casual transmission of cancer through day-to-day interaction, which was linked to social and physical isolation of patients, has been documented in qualitative studies in India. 9,10,12,21 In our study, onequarter of patients (25 percent) and almost one-third of caregivers (31 percent) perceived that people in the community are afraid cancer can spread from person to person. In addition, a substantial proportion of participants (17 percent of patients and 31 percent of caregivers) perceived that people in the community avoided talking or eating with a person who has cancer.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

“…In India, cancer patients have reported the belief that people brought cancer upon themselves by breaking social mores, either in this life or a previous life 9,10 (i.e., Karma) or that they have breast cancer because they have "bad character. " 11 Bodily changes (disfigurement) caused by cancer and its treatment can also lead to stigma.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…11 Bodily changes (disfigurement) caused by cancer and its treatment can also lead to stigma. 10 Lack of knowledge about the causes of cancer and fear that cancer is contagious have also been identified as causes of stigma in India. 9,10,12 Manifestations of cancer stigma in India range from social isolation within the home or community, gossip and verbal abuse, reduced marriage prospects (for self or children), 9,12 and physical separation within the home-such as distinct eating spaces and washing utensils, clothes, and living spaces.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…10 Lack of knowledge about the causes of cancer and fear that cancer is contagious have also been identified as causes of stigma in India. 9,10,12 Manifestations of cancer stigma in India range from social isolation within the home or community, gossip and verbal abuse, reduced marriage prospects (for self or children), 9,12 and physical separation within the home-such as distinct eating spaces and washing utensils, clothes, and living spaces. 10 Understanding (1) how cancer stigma manifests among cancer patients and caregivers-who often suffer from secondary stigma, (2) the critical role of household members in providing care for patients, and (3) the potential for cancer stigma to undermine the social support for, and mental health of cancer patients are critical to developing strategies to reduce the growing burden of cancer in India, 2,13 This exploratory pilot study, conducted in two cities in India, aimed to better understand the degree to which cancer stigma is perceived, experienced, and internalized among adults living with cancer and their primary nonmedical caregivers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceived, Experienced, and Internalized Cancer Stigma: Perspectives of Cancer Patients and Caregivers in India

Squiers

Siddiqui²,

Kataria

et al. 2021

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Cancer stigma may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This exploratory, pilot study was conducted in India to explore the degree to which cancer stigma is perceived, experienced, and internalized among adults living with cancer and their primary caregivers. We conducted a survey of cancer patients and their caregivers in two Indian cities. The survey assessed perceived, experienced, and internalized stigma; demographic characteristics; patient cancer history; mental health; and social support. A purposive sample of 20 cancer survivor and caregiver dyads was drawn from an ongoing population-based cohort study. Overall, 85 percent of patients and 75 percent of caregivers reported experiencing some level (i.e., yes response to at least one of the items) of perceived, experienced, or internalized stigma. Both patients (85 percent) and caregivers (65 percent) perceived that community members hold at least one stigmatizing belief or attitude toward people with cancer. About 60 percent of patients reported experiencing stigma, and over one-third of patients and caregivers had internalized stigma. The findings indicate that fatalistic beliefs about cancer are prevalent, and basic education about cancer for the general public, patients, and caregivers is required. Cancer-related stigma in India should continue to be studied to determine and address its prevalence, root causes, and influence on achieving physical and mental health-related outcomes.

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Cancers' Multiplicities

Manderson¹

2022

A Companion to Medical Anthropology

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Cultural Beliefs, Cancer and Stigma: Experiences of Patients from Punjab (India)

Cited by 13 publications

References 2 publications

A qualitative study on experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors in Karnataka, India

A qualitative study on experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors in Karnataka, India

Perceived, Experienced, and Internalized Cancer Stigma: Perspectives of Cancer Patients and Caregivers in India

Cancers' Multiplicities

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