Socio-cultural factors and late cancer detection in Arab-palestinian women.

In the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) many breast cancer cases are diagnosed at later stages. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of this late cancer detection rate and to examine breast cancer detection practices among Arab-Palestinian women, as well as factors that contribute to shaping them. A qualitative thematic analysis was applied to 36 semi-structured interviews with women with breast cancer and nine semi-structured interviews with doctors. Results are organized into five sections: 1) breast screening practices, 2) health beliefs toward cancer, 3) doctor’s gender, 4) social stigma, 5) misdiagnoses. Results show how health beliefs and socio-cultural norms may be a cause for late breast cancer detection. Arab-Palestinian women with breast cancer face a dilemma. If they prioritize their health and individual needs, they infringe cultural norms, risk their marriage, and question their very social identity of caretakers of traditions and culture. Late cancer detection seems also influenced by inaccurate diagnoses. The OPT healthcare system suffers from the shortage and unavailability of diagnostic devices, but it also needs qualified and skilled specialists. Culturally sensitive educational interventions and guidelines should take into account the unique situation of the OPT, the restrictions to mobility, and the socio-cultural norms and values