Afghan immigrant women's knowledge and behaviors around breast cancer screening

Abstract

Background: This community-based participatory research was conducted to provide a preliminary understanding of how Afghan women in Northern California view their breast health.

Methods: Results were based on demographics and in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with 53 non-English-speaking first-generation immigrant Muslim Afghan women 40 years and older.

Results: Findings showed low levels of knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and low utilization of early-detection examinations for breast cancer among participants.

Conclusions: The findings also suggest a significant need for a community-based breast health education program that recognizes the unique social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the Muslim Afghan community.

Keywords: Afghan women; barriers; breast cancer; community-based participatory research; early detection; immigrant.