TY - JOUR
T1 - The role of culture in breast health practices among Chinese-Australian women
AU - Kwok, Cannas
AU - Sullivan, Gerard
AU - Cant, Rosemary
N1 - Funding Information:
The final stage of this study was supported by a grant from the NSW Nurses Registration Board.
PY - 2006/12
Y1 - 2006/12
N2 - Objective: Exploring how cultural meanings of the breast impact on perceived images of breast cancer and breast health practices. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Chinese-Australian women in their native language (Cantonese). Results: The findings revealed that the meanings of the breast are constructed within the women's social and cultural context where breasts are associated with sex; and talking about, being concerned with or expressing curiosity about breasts is considered inappropriate. These views have a significant impact on (1) the way the informants viewed breast cancer; (2) perceptions of breast health practices; and (3) the explanations of breast cancer and associated risk perception. Conclusion: Understanding the nature of culturally-based barriers to utilization of breast cancer screening is the first step to discovering solutions for making screening tests more acceptable to women from other cultures. Practice implications: This study provides insight about obstacles for breast health promotion practices and for developing culturally appropriate health education programs and counselling strategies.
AB - Objective: Exploring how cultural meanings of the breast impact on perceived images of breast cancer and breast health practices. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Chinese-Australian women in their native language (Cantonese). Results: The findings revealed that the meanings of the breast are constructed within the women's social and cultural context where breasts are associated with sex; and talking about, being concerned with or expressing curiosity about breasts is considered inappropriate. These views have a significant impact on (1) the way the informants viewed breast cancer; (2) perceptions of breast health practices; and (3) the explanations of breast cancer and associated risk perception. Conclusion: Understanding the nature of culturally-based barriers to utilization of breast cancer screening is the first step to discovering solutions for making screening tests more acceptable to women from other cultures. Practice implications: This study provides insight about obstacles for breast health promotion practices and for developing culturally appropriate health education programs and counselling strategies.
KW - Breast health practices
KW - Chinese women
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U2 - 10.1016/j.pec.2006.03.003
DO - 10.1016/j.pec.2006.03.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 17010556
AN - SCOPUS:33751115195
SN - 0738-3991
VL - 64
SP - 268
EP - 276
JO - Patient Education and Counseling
JF - Patient Education and Counseling
IS - 1-3
ER -
