Cultural Perspectives of International Breast Health and Breast Cancer Education

Abstract

Developing countries are increasingly multicultural. Developed countries have large immigrant populations that generally maintain the cultural values and practices about breast cancer from the country of origin. These "lessons learned" are important in planning other educational programs.

Factors that Influence Awareness of Breast Cancer Screening among Arab Women in Qatar: Results from a Cross Sectional Survey

“…Breast cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making it difficult for women to appreciate the risk involved in a delayed cancer diagnosis and recognize the benefits of BCS. Arab women are reluctant to practice BCS or discuss breast cancer because they perceive that the risk of cancer is low, they are embarrassed by the physical examination nature of BCS, or they are afraid of a cancer diagnosis; the same factors might limit the information or support they receive from family members (Sadler et al, 2001;Azaiza and Cohen, 2006;Soskolne et al, 2007;Dow Meneses and Yarbro, 2007;Azaiza and Cohen, 2008;Baron-Epel, 2010;). Additional research on cultural values and beliefs are needed to further understand the complex factors that affect Arab women's awareness of BCS and promote effective, long-term compliance.…”

“…Studies indicate that doctors often do not offer BCS services to women. Other health care providers (HCP) might not have adequate knowledge of BCS and risk factors related to breast cancer in the Middle East, thus limiting their ability to encourage patients to engage in BCS activities (Bener et al, 2001;Haji-Mahmoodi, 2002;Madanat and Merrill, 2002;Dow Meneses and Yarbro, 2007;Alkhasawneh et al, 2009;Jaradeen, 2010;El Hajj and Hamid, 2011). Previous studies in the region indicate low participation rates in breast cancer screening activities among women (Bener et al, 2001;Bener et al, 2002;Azaiza and Cohen, 2008;Bener et al, 2009).…”

“…Accurate and varied sources of information about breast health and BCS from health care providers (especially physicians), mass media, and social networks can positively influence women's knowledge and practice of BCS (Al-Qattan, et al, 2007;Dandash and Al-Mohaimeed, 2007;Montazeri, et al, 2008;Hoffman et al, 2010). Facilitators of BCS behavior include having support from male relatives, receiving information about breast cancer or BCS from health care professionals (HCP) other than doctors, and having a doctor's recommendation (Haji-Mahmoodi, 2002;Madanat and Merrill, 2002;Cohen and Azaiza, 2005;Azaiza and Cohen, 2006;Shirazi et al, 2006;Dandash and Al-Mohaimeed, 2007;Dow Meneses and Yarbro, 2007;El Saghir et al, 2007;Alkhasawneh et al, 2009;Gürsoy et al, 2009;Jaradeen, 2010;El Hajj and Hamid, 2011).…”

Strategic health communication across the continuum of breast cancer care in limited-resource countries

“…In general, patients consider their physicians to be preferred sources for such information. 29,43,58 Effective patientprovider communication can encourage patient cooperation (compliance) with treatment recommendations. 57,59 Sensitive and culturally competent communication strategies are needed to ameliorate the significant differences in cultural backgrounds (such as age, education, socioeconomic status, sex, and national origin) that often exist between patients and providers.…”

“…43,44 Culture frames the social norms, beliefs, values, and languages that healthcare consumers use to respond to and communicate about breast cancer. 45 There are multiple cultural groups in any population or country, and each group influences the way members interpret and communicate about health and illness.…”