Assessing Cancer Beliefs in a Chinese Immigrant Community

Abstract

Although many studies have focused on cancer screening utilization and attitudes, no study has yet been conducted that examines community beliefs toward a cancer diagnosis and some of the beliefs about cancer and cancer patients. While certain types of cancer have been decreasing in the White population, minority populations are more likely to be diagnosed in a later stage and die of cancer. Stigmas caused by a cancer diagnosis and the disease itself may be a contributing factor in late detection and increased mortality. A telephone survey of 798 Chinese immigrants living in San Francisco was conducted. Subjects were asked several questions with established responses regarding their beliefs about cancer. One quarter of the 798 participants still believe cancer is contagious. Many also believe cancer is caused by environmental as well as personal action such as immoral behavior. A logistic regression model indicated that women who are at a low income level and have resided in the United States for an extended period of time are more likely to believe cancer is contagious. Community stigmas toward cancer and cancer survivors will prevent some Chinese immigrants from seeking early diagnosis. Multimedia education efforts that utilize print, television, and radio may provide a point of entry to reach otherwise unreachable individuals. This concerted education effort may help to dispel some of the myths regarding cancer, its treatment, and prognosis. It is hoped this would encourage a healthy dialogue about cancer, thus increasing screening and early detection among Chinese immigrants.

Barriers to Screening Colonoscopy for Low-income Latino and White Patients in an Urban Community Health Center

“…Patients may prefer not to look for problems that are not currently bothering them, especially if they think of cancer as an incurable disease, as many patients do. 19,[38][39][40][41] This may be based in part of a fatalistic attitude common among many patient groups [1][2][3]29,[42][43][44][45][46] and not specific to Latinos, despite unsubstantiated literature promoting this as a Latino cultural issue. In fact, some literature suggests that fatalism is more an issue of lower socioeconomic status rather than culture.…”

Are Women in Kuwait Aware of Breast Cancer and Its Diagnostic Procedures?

“…Further, educational programs should be organized in different schools for adolescents in order to boost knowledge within this group and so improve awareness of breast cancer as they grow up. Cultural beliefs and attitudes have also influenced the stage at which breast cancer is diagnosed (Wong-Kim et al, 2003;Russell et al, 2007). This is true especially in the Middle East region where exposing parts of the body, specifically the breast, might make women hesitant to take the first step to visit a clinic.…”

Understanding the cultural health belief model influencing health behaviors and health-related quality of life between Latina and Asian-American breast cancer survivors

“…Cultural health beliefs refer to the ways in which people perceive illness, how they explain pain, how they define quality care, and how they select their caregiver [11]. Unique cultural perceptions and experiences about cancer may also have implications for the patterns in which people perceive and engage in changing their lifestyles and behaviors.…”