Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of African people in the UK towards Cancer

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Statement of the problem and research questions2

Conceptual framework2

Rationale4

Research purpose4

Significant of the study4

Overall aim and specific objectives5

Overview5

African immigrants and cancer6

Cancer in world8

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW10

Relevant existing literatures10

Knowledge, Attitude and behaviour considerations about cancer in Africans11

Cancer and attitude12

Cancer and behaviour12

Cancer and knowledge14

Socio-economic status and coping style16

Culture17

Perception17

REFERENCES19

BIBLIOGRAPHY22CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

Cancer is a generic term used to refer to a broad spectrum of diseases related to abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. In humans, more than 100 cancers impact organs, tissues, and systems throughout the body. The causes of cancer are diverse and the cure rates associated with different types of cancer vary (Bruner 2008, p.11-32). Knowledge just like health information seeking behaviour can positively impact health outcomes by increasing awareness of risk factors as well as adoption of preventive practices. Previous research on cancer has linked knowledge of risk factors with adoption of positive lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation and sun-safe behaviours. Health behavioural theorists suggest that individuals' understanding of the link between health behaviour and its ability to achieve a desirable health outcome is an important determinant of whether that individual will practice that behaviour (Esteva et al 2007, p.86).

It was reported that signs and symptoms of the disease have an influence on late presentation. On the other hand, absence of pain and obvious symptoms (Evans et al 2007, p.48-55) may delay patients seeking help. A possible explanation for this might be is that pain and bleeding may not be tolerated and the patient has to see a doctor to relief pain or stop the bleeding. This may possibly be applied to other cancer types; some diseases such as oral cancer appear as a painless ulcer in the mouth and a patient may think it could be a benign routine ulcer which may go away after sometime (Bruner 2008, p.11-32).

However, in this study, an important point was raised here that some diseases such as cancer may not be reported until serious symptoms develop. Although Corner et al attributed the delay to the patients, there is no information about when patients were diagnosed and treated after their first visit to the doctor. Evans et al (2007) combined three common types of cancers in one study (Evans et al 2007, p.48-55).

Statement of the problem and research questions

There is a culturally sensitive instrument to evaluate British Africans knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancer and its early detection. A measure of acculturation must be used whenever intent is made to study immigrants' health and the impact of culture on health (Bruner 2008, p.11-32).

Dein (2004) has argued the significant of culture in cancer health behaviour context and explain that culture determines the way how people understand cancer, their explanation to it and their attitude towards cancer. Existing evidences suggesting that there is a knowledge gap in understanding of people's beliefs about cancer in light with their cultural value and more studies are required among ethnic minority group in the UK to reduce health care ...