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https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-017-0316-9

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Dignity, Shame, Stigma, or Ignorance in Avoidance of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings among Women of Caribbean Descent

  AUTHORS: Nasar U. Ahmed, Cheryl Brewster, Catherina Chang-Martinez, Lakisha Thomas-DeVlugt, Anny Rodriguez

  KEYWORDS: Breast, Cervical, Cancer, Screening, Barriers, Enabling Factors, Caribbean, Black, Muslim, Women, Focus Group

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Social Sciences, Vol.10 No.5, May 31, 2022

  ABSTRACT: Objectives: Black Caribbean women have a high prevalence of late-stage breast and cervical cancer diagnosis and a low prevalence of screenings. This study explored barriers to breast and cervical cancer screenings, beliefs, and practices, and how they could overcome those barriers. Design: Focus group discussions, audiotaped, transcribed in verbatim, and content analyzed along with context using thematic arrangement. Results: Of 42 attendees, 37 participated in three focus groups with majority foreign-born; mean age of 50 years; 68% were Christian, and others Muslim. Overall, 32% of 42 focus group attendees reported being screened for cancer. Barriers to screenings were fear of discomfort, finding something wrong “nerve-racking”, doctor not recommending, taking time off from work, and family commitment. Among Afro-Caribbean women, there was the misconception of no risk of reproductive cancer after menopause and no need to screen. The staggering 75% of Muslim women participants mentioned that they never had a Pap smear test in their lives. Conclusion: Lack of understanding of their own cancer risk and trust in the health system; dignity, stigma, shame, and ignorance may play roles in avoidance of cancer screening.