Culture, attitude and knowledge about @entity0 and preventive measures: a qualitative study of South Asian XXXX @entity1 in the UK.

@entity1 @entity5 @entity0
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the influence of culture and beliefs about @entity0 , and its implications on preventive health behaviour among South Asian @entity1 in the UK. METHODS: Using a qualitative approach, 24 South Asian @entity0 @entity1 and their significant others were interviewed. RESULTS: Most @entity1 were unfamiliar with the subject of @entity5 ; they expressed lack of knowledge of @entity5 as a disease and its symptoms. They identified a painless lump in the breast as sign of abnormality, but not @entity5 . They also did not know any non-lump breast symptoms. Over half participated in breast screening after encouragement from daughters or relatives. Most did not practise breast self-examination. Perceptions of @entity5 and health behaviour were influenced by cultural beliefs. Common themes were @entity5 is a taboo subject and @entity5 is a stigma. @entity1 also expressed misunderstandings about the cause of @entity5 . @entity5 in the family had ramifications on @entity1 ' s marriage prospects and may cause marital breakdown. Terminology used also caused communication problems with healthcare professionals and within the family: the use of ' chest' to substitute ' breast' changed the meaning of the message conveyed. CONCLUSIONS: Cultural beliefs and practices accentuate difficulties in understanding @entity0 , breast screening and breast self-examination, and can prevent South Asian @entity1 from adopting preventive health practices.
