Cultural perceptions in cancer care among African-American and Caucasian patients.
OBJECTIVE
This exploratory study examined perceptions and beliefs of African Americans and Caucasians related to cancer care. Understanding belief systems and cultures optimizes cancer treatment and care delivery to ethnic minority individuals.


METHODS
Focus groups were conducted with 39 African-American and Caucasian cancer patients. Data analysis included whole group analysis with a team of five researchers.


RESULTS
Regardless of ethnicity, cancer patients share many of the same emotions and experiences, and want complete information and quality care. Differences were also apparent. African-American participants were more likely to report increased religious behaviors, believe that healthcare providers demonstrate care with simple actions and provision of practical assistance, and use church and community information sources. Caucasian participants were more likely to report spiritual but not overtly religious changes, and depend on healthcare providers for information.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding how culture colors perceptions, communication and information requirements is critical to providing effective care to ethnically diverse cancer patients. Findings have implications for professionals understanding ways patients seek information, the role of spirituality and religion in care, and ways healthcare providers demonstrate care.
Matsuyama
Robin K
RK
Social and Behavioral Health, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0149, USA. rmatsuyama@vcu.edu
Grange
Christina
C
Lyckholm
Laurie J
LJ
Utsey
Shawn O
SO
Smith
Thomas J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003469:Culture; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012067:Religion; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People