“It's because it's cancer, not because you're a Traveller”-exploring lay understanding of cancer in English Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller communities

Abstract

Health professionals need to develop a better understanding of Gypsy and Travellers' health beliefs and practices in order to successfully interact with them. Information about cancer has to be delivered in an understandable form and to places where it reaches these communities. Because of historical societal discrimination, including by some health services, engaging with Gypsies and Travellers may require considerably more time and effort.

Experience of skin disease and relationships with healthcare providers: a qualitative study of Traveller women in Ireland

“…A preference towards secondary or specialist services emerged from the focus groups. Similar findings appeared in relation to Travellers’ experience of specialist cancer services, acknowledged for their nondiscriminatory approach . In our study, the perception of discrimination while attending primary care in relation to skin disease was evident, which aligns with previously reported anticipation of discrimination when visiting GPs regarding oncological concerns .…”

“…Factors that positively influenced their relationship with health providers, in terms of health literacy, included the health provider respecting their desire for health knowledge and being cognisant of variable literacy levels and the provision of sufficient information to meet their needs. Cognisance of literacy levels is important and a preference of receiving information from an individual who ‘speaks the way’ we do has been highlighted . Patients with psoriasis would like their dermatologist to use simple, everyday language and pay attention to the patients’ words .…”

“…As disillusionment with medical advice intensified, some participants reverted to more familiar techniques and outlets, for example the use of ‘cures’ distributed by faith healers. With this increasing segregation and isolation from healthcare providers, the influence of ‘faith healers’ or ‘healing men’ became more pervasive, as reflected in the literature …”

“…The absence of a male perspective is a limitation of this study. Difficulties surrounding the engagement of male Travellers are acknowledged in the literature …”

“…In relation to skin disease, desirable qualities of healthcare providers include empathy and effective communication skills . Travellers have shown a preference towards specialized care in oncology because of the nondiscriminatory approach of the healthcare providers . The practice of cultural competence is also integral to providing quality health care to diverse populations.…”