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
Authors: Agyemang, L.S., Wagland, R., Foster, C., McLean, C. and Fenlon, D.
Journal: BMC Women's Health
Volume: 23
Issue: 1
eISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02508-8
Abstract:Background: Although there may be theoretical support linking positive health outcomes with cancer disclosure to social networks, women from contexts such as Ghana where cancer is not openly talked about may have concerns around breast cancer disclosure. Women may not be able to share their experiences about their diagnosis, which may prevent them from receiving support. This study aimed to obtain the views of Ghanaian women diagnosed with breast cancer about factors contributing to (non) disclosure. Methods: This study is based on secondary findings from an ethnographic study that employed participant observation and semi-structured face to face interviews. The study was conducted at a breast clinic in a Teaching Hospital in southern Ghana. 16 women diagnosed with breast cancer (up to stage 3); five relatives nominated by these women and ten healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated in the study. Factors contributing to breast cancer (non) disclosure were explored. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Results: The analysis indicated that most of the women and family members were very reticent about breast cancer disclosure and were secretive with distant relatives and wider social networks. Whilst remaining silent about their cancer diagnosis helped women protect their identities, prevented spiritual attack, and bad advice, the need for emotional and financial support for cancer treatment triggered disclosure to close family, friends, and pastors. Some women were discouraged from persevering with conventional treatment following disclosure to their close relatives. Conclusions: Breast cancer stigma and fears around disclosure hindered women from disclosing to individuals in their social networks. Women disclosed to their close relatives for support, but this was not always safe. Health care professionals are well placed to explore women’s concerns and facilitate disclosure within safe spaces to enhance engagement with breast cancer care services.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/38773/
Source: Scopus
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.
Authors: Agyemang, L.S., Wagland, R., Foster, C., McLean, C. and Fenlon, D.
Journal: BMC Womens Health
Volume: 23
Issue: 1
Pages: 366
eISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02508-8
Abstract:BACKGROUND: Although there may be theoretical support linking positive health outcomes with cancer disclosure to social networks, women from contexts such as Ghana where cancer is not openly talked about may have concerns around breast cancer disclosure. Women may not be able to share their experiences about their diagnosis, which may prevent them from receiving support. This study aimed to obtain the views of Ghanaian women diagnosed with breast cancer about factors contributing to (non) disclosure. METHODS: This study is based on secondary findings from an ethnographic study that employed participant observation and semi-structured face to face interviews. The study was conducted at a breast clinic in a Teaching Hospital in southern Ghana. 16 women diagnosed with breast cancer (up to stage 3); five relatives nominated by these women and ten healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated in the study. Factors contributing to breast cancer (non) disclosure were explored. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: The analysis indicated that most of the women and family members were very reticent about breast cancer disclosure and were secretive with distant relatives and wider social networks. Whilst remaining silent about their cancer diagnosis helped women protect their identities, prevented spiritual attack, and bad advice, the need for emotional and financial support for cancer treatment triggered disclosure to close family, friends, and pastors. Some women were discouraged from persevering with conventional treatment following disclosure to their close relatives. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer stigma and fears around disclosure hindered women from disclosing to individuals in their social networks. Women disclosed to their close relatives for support, but this was not always safe. Health care professionals are well placed to explore women's concerns and facilitate disclosure within safe spaces to enhance engagement with breast cancer care services.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/38773/
Source: PubMed
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
Authors: Agyemang, L.S., Wagland, R., Foster, C., McLean, C. and Fenlon, D.
Journal: BMC WOMENS HEALTH
Volume: 23
Issue: 1
eISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02508-8
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/38773/
Source: Web of Science (Lite)
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
Authors: Agyemang, L., Foster, C., McLean, C., Fenlon, D. and Wagland, R.
Journal: BMC Women's Health
Volume: 23
Issue: 366
Publisher: BioMed Central
ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02508-8
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/38773/
Source: Manual
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.
Authors: Agyemang, L.S., Wagland, R., Foster, C., McLean, C. and Fenlon, D.
Journal: BMC women's health
Volume: 23
Issue: 1
Pages: 366
eISSN: 1472-6874
ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02508-8
Abstract:Background
Although there may be theoretical support linking positive health outcomes with cancer disclosure to social networks, women from contexts such as Ghana where cancer is not openly talked about may have concerns around breast cancer disclosure. Women may not be able to share their experiences about their diagnosis, which may prevent them from receiving support. This study aimed to obtain the views of Ghanaian women diagnosed with breast cancer about factors contributing to (non) disclosure.Methods
This study is based on secondary findings from an ethnographic study that employed participant observation and semi-structured face to face interviews. The study was conducted at a breast clinic in a Teaching Hospital in southern Ghana. 16 women diagnosed with breast cancer (up to stage 3); five relatives nominated by these women and ten healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated in the study. Factors contributing to breast cancer (non) disclosure were explored. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.Results
The analysis indicated that most of the women and family members were very reticent about breast cancer disclosure and were secretive with distant relatives and wider social networks. Whilst remaining silent about their cancer diagnosis helped women protect their identities, prevented spiritual attack, and bad advice, the need for emotional and financial support for cancer treatment triggered disclosure to close family, friends, and pastors. Some women were discouraged from persevering with conventional treatment following disclosure to their close relatives.Conclusions
Breast cancer stigma and fears around disclosure hindered women from disclosing to individuals in their social networks. Women disclosed to their close relatives for support, but this was not always safe. Health care professionals are well placed to explore women's concerns and facilitate disclosure within safe spaces to enhance engagement with breast cancer care services.https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/38773/
Source: Europe PubMed Central
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
Authors: Agyemang, L.S., Wagland, R., Foster, C., McLean, C. and Fenlon, D.
Journal: BMC Women's Health
Volume: 23
Publisher: BioMed Central
ISSN: 1472-6874
Abstract:Background Although there may be theoretical support linking positive health outcomes with cancer disclosure to social networks, women from contexts such as Ghana where cancer is not openly talked about may have concerns around breast cancer disclosure. Women may not be able to share their experiences about their diagnosis, which may prevent them from receiving support. This study aimed to obtain the views of Ghanaian women diagnosed with breast cancer about factors contributing to (non) disclosure.
Methods This study is based on secondary findings from an ethnographic study that employed participant observation and semi-structured face to face interviews. The study was conducted at a breast clinic in a Teaching Hospital in southern Ghana. 16 women diagnosed with breast cancer (up to stage 3); five relatives nominated by these women and ten healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated in the study. Factors contributing to breast cancer (non) disclosure were explored. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.
Results The analysis indicated that most of the women and family members were very reticent about breast cancer disclosure and were secretive with distant relatives and wider social networks. Whilst remaining silent about their cancer diagnosis helped women protect their identities, prevented spiritual attack, and bad advice, the need for emotional and financial support for cancer treatment triggered disclosure to close family, friends, and pastors. Some women were discouraged from persevering with conventional treatment following disclosure to their close relatives.
Conclusions Breast cancer stigma and fears around disclosure hindered women from disclosing to individuals in their social networks. Women disclosed to their close relatives for support, but this was not always safe. Health care professionals are well placed to explore women’s concerns and facilitate disclosure within safe spaces to enhance engagement with breast cancer care services.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/38773/
Source: BURO EPrints