The meanings of cancer and perceptions of cancer services among South Asians in Luton, UK
2004

Understanding Cancer and Services Among South Asians in Luton

Sample size: 48 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Randhawa G, Owens A

Primary Institution: Institute for Health Services Research, University of Luton

Hypothesis

What are the views of South Asians in Luton towards cancer and cancer services?

Conclusion

The study found a low level of awareness and understanding of cancer and its services among South Asians in Luton.

Supporting Evidence

  • Only two of the 48 respondents had not heard of cancer.
  • Participants often defined cancer as an incurable disease.
  • Awareness of specialist cancer services in Luton was low among respondents.
  • Many participants learned about cancer through family or community networks.

Takeaway

This study looked at how South Asian people in Luton think about cancer and the help they can get for it. Many don't know much about cancer or where to find help.

Methodology

Qualitative study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with community members and health professionals.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to the non-random selection of focus group participants.

Limitations

Findings cannot be generalized to the wider South Asian population due to the small and non-representative sample.

Participant Demographics

Participants included Gujarati-speaking Hindus, Punjabi-speaking Sikhs, Punjabi-speaking Muslims, and Sylheti-speaking Muslims from Luton.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6601892

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