The Influence of Culture on the Views of Black African/African-Caribbean Men Living In the UK Towards Cancer
type: CreativeWork
description: In the United Kingdom (UK), men face a significantly higher risk of contracting and dying from cancer. Prostate, lung and colorectal cancer are the most common cancers diagnosed in men; with prostate cancer disproportionately affecting black men. Little is known about black African (BA) and black African-Caribbean (BAC) men’s view towards cancer; yet culture and acculturation determine the way in which people understand, explain and develop their attitudes towards cancer. Hence, cancer prevention and early detection strategies may not be sensitive to UK-based black men views, affecting their awareness of risk factors and early detection services. An evidence based understanding about black men’s views towards cancer is needed to effectively target cancer prevention strategies. This qualitative study explored the influence of culture on the views of UK based BA and BAC men towards cancer. In collaboration with black community organisations based in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and London, 27 participants were recruited. Convenience and theoretical sampling methods were used. Data were collected from June 2013-February 2014 using semi-structured one-to-one interviews. Data were analysed using the grounded theory analytical method. BA and BAC men have their own distinct beliefs concerning the causes of cancer, which influence how they view cancer as a whole. Seven categories: ‘Cultural views’; ‘Religious beliefs’; ‘Avoiding Babylon’; ‘Alienation’; ‘Suspicious mind’; ‘Advertisements and information influence very little’, and ‘Gap in service provision (Bridging the gap)’ were identified as sub-categories revolving around the core category: ‘Cancer through black eyes’. Cancer was not viewed as a purely medical condition through black eyes. Black men’s views towards cancer were closely linked to socially constructed perspectives of themselves, linked with their cultural and religious beliefs; what being black male means in society, the meanings of historical phenomena l…
abstract: In the United Kingdom (UK), men face a significantly higher risk of contracting and dying from cancer. Prostate, lung and colorectal cancer are the most common cancers diagnosed in men; with prostate cancer disproportionately affecting black men. Little is known about black African (BA) and black African-Caribbean (BAC) men’s view towards cancer; yet culture and acculturation determine the way in which people understand, explain and develop their attitudes towards cancer. Hence, cancer prevention and early detection strategies may not be sensitive to UK-based black men views, affecting their awareness of risk factors and early detection services. An evidence based understanding about black men’s views towards cancer is needed to effectively target cancer prevention strategies. This qualitative study explored the influence of culture on the views of UK based BA and BAC men towards cancer. In collaboration with black community organisations based in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and London, 27 participants were recruited. Convenience and theoretical sampling methods were used. Data were collected from June 2013-February 2014 using semi-structured one-to-one interviews. Data were analysed using the grounded theory analytical method. BA and BAC men have their own distinct beliefs concerning the causes of cancer, which influence how they view cancer as a whole. Seven categories: ‘Cultural views’; ‘Religious beliefs’; ‘Avoiding Babylon’; ‘Alienation’; ‘Suspicious mind’; ‘Advertisements and information influence very little’, and ‘Gap in service provision (Bridging the gap)’ were identified as sub-categories revolving around the core category: ‘Cancer through black eyes’. Cancer was not viewed as a purely medical condition through black eyes. Black men’s views towards cancer were closely linked to socially constructed perspectives of themselves, linked with their cultural and religious beliefs; what being black male means in society, the meanings of historical phenomena l…
author: Mulugeta, Betselot
language: en
keywords: A990 - Medicine & dentistry not elsewhere classified
date published: 2014-11
date modified: 2026-07-24T01:35:53Z
provider: University of Central Lancashire
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Central Lancashire