Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Nazarene Tubman

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and mammography is proven to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage; however, studies show that Black women have the lowest rate of breast cancer screening. The purpose of this descriptive, qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of African-born immigrant women about breast cancer screening. Data were collected by conducting individual interviews with 10 purposefully selected, African, immigrant women in Dallas, between 35 to 65 years old. Data were analyzed using NVivo software and coded based on the conceptual framework, which was the health belief model. Participants’ perception of their vulnerability to breast cancer and the barriers to screening were the main themes found. Most of the participants did not perceive that they are at risk for the disease because of family history and limited knowledge of the disease. Barriers related to screening were financial constraints, fear of the unknown, and the pain and discomfort of the screening process. However, receiving reminders and knowing people in the community who suffered with the disease were incentives to seek more information and to get screened. Based on the findings from this study, breast cancer awareness materials should be added to other health awareness materials that are distributed in the community. Additionally, future studies may be conducted on the education level and financial classifications of the participants. Implications for social change was identified in the areas of limited knowledge about the disease, and participation rate in the breast cancer screening practices. Education that communicates the disease facts and risks is paramount.

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