Beliefs about ethnicity, families and cancer V0.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the belief systems of ethnic minority women and men about familial breast cancer - a grounded theory study.
IRAS ID
180378
Contact name
Alison Metcalfe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King’s College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
KATTP, King's Access to the Professions Scholarship Award, research training award.; HEFCE Widening Participation Programme, Higher Education Funding Council for England
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
The discovery of genetic predictors and determinants of disease, and the on-going scientific mapping of the human genome have led to provision of various medical services targeted at different population groups. One major area where this is visible is in cancer studies, particularly genetic breast cancer. Women and men identified as having particular gene mutations or changes are more likely to develop cancers such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. Some of these cancers are more aggressive and difficult to treat, and appear to be more prevalent in women and men from black backgrounds, resulting in worse morbidity and mortality than the average population.
Studies have shown an unequal use of cancer screening and genetics services, with fewer individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds making use of the services. Health behavioural models have not adequately explained this trend. For example, there are differences in understanding ’genetic inheritance’ and the causes of disease between health professionals and service users. This knowledge and interpretation of genetic inheritance might vary depending on an individual’s cultural beliefs about disease.
As one source of knowledge, science defines how genetics might be viewed, but this concept is not pre-defined or universally accepted. Individuals and families construct their knowledge of health, kinship and inheritance based on more than just science, but from the complex relationships they form in society, which are themselves continually changing according to the needs of the various members of that society. It is vital to go beyond an assumption of universal acceptance of science and try to unravel how knowledge and beliefs are created and how they impact on health-related decisions. It is important for health professionals to understand the context and perspectives of their diverse patient populations in order to provide a service that is useful and appropriate for the different ethnic groups.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1671
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion