ArticleBMC women's health2021
The cultural and structural influences that 'hide' information from women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana: an ethnography.
Article in BMC women's health, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 11 papers.
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Who cites it
11 citing papers in PubMed, 16 citations in OpenAlex.
- 'I don't think they involve me in any way': Qualitative study of patient centrality in chronic non-communicable disease management in Ghana.BMJ public health · 2026Article
- Communication and information needs of patients with cancer in Ghana: A scoping review.PloS one · 2026Article
- Factors influencing fertility preservation communication and decision support for cancer patients: a qualitative evidence synthesis of healthcare professionals' perspectives.Frontiers in endocrinology · 2026Review
- Setting the stage for communication skills training in Rwandan cancer care: a qualitative study of local priorities and key contextual factors.BMC palliative care · 2025Article
- Addressing Domestic Abuse Among Couples Experiencing Breast or Gynecologic Cancer in Africa.Clinical journal of oncology nursing · 2025Article
- A scoping review of clinical communication in cancer care in Africa.The oncologist · 2025Article
- Culture, community, and cancer: understandings of breast cancer from a non-lived experience among women living in Soweto.BMC women's health · 2024Article
- Culture, community, and cancer: Understandings of breast cancer from a non-lived experience among women living in Soweto.Research square · 2024Article
- A critical review and analysis of the context, current burden, and application of policy to improve cancer equity in Ghana.International journal for equity in health · 2023Review
- To disclose or not to disclose: an ethnographic exploration of factors contributing to the (non) disclosure of Ghanaian women's breast cancer diagnosis to social networks.BMC women's health · 2023Article
- What influences cancer treatment service access in Ghana? A critical interpretive synthesis.BMJ open · 2022Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSocio-cultural factors may influence the uptake of breast cancer treatments. This study aimed to explore these socio-cultural influences on treatment decision-making for women in Ghana.
methodAn ethnographic approach was adopted. Observation was conducted of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, nominated relatives, nurses and doctors at a breast clinic in Ghana. Semi-structured interviews followed participant observation. Thematic analysis was employed.
findingsOver 16 weeks (July 2017-November 2017), 31 participants were observed and 29 took part in semi-structured interviews. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) unequal power relationships; (2) Language barriers and (3) structural constraints. Following a breast cancer diagnosis, essential information necessary for treatment decision making is 'hidden' from women due to an unequal patient-provider relationship. Patients acknowledged cultural behaviours of deference to experts. Doctors deliberately misrepresented treatment information to women to encourage them to undergo surgical treatment. Structural issues such as the lack of privacy during consultations hindered quality patient engagement with decision-making. High treatment costs and the lack of resources to assist women with fertility after treatment impeded open discussions around these issues. Language barriers included a lack of terms in the local Twi language to explain cancer and its treatment. There was also an absence of appropriate information materials.
conclusionFindings highlight the need for health professionals to be aware of the socio-cultural factors that limit access to quality information which is needed for informed treatment decision making. Policies that aim to provide adequate logistics; increase staffing levels; improve staff cultural awareness training and remove financial barriers are recommended.
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