The Sociocultural Influences on Breast Cancer Screening among Rural African Women in South Africa

Nelisha Sarmah (), Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya and Thandokuhle Emmanuel Khoza
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Nelisha Sarmah: Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, 7 Ritson Rd, Durban 4001, South Africa
Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya: Division of Research, Innovation and Engagement, Umlazi Campus, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi 4031, South Africa
Thandokuhle Emmanuel Khoza: Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, 7 Ritson Rd, Durban 4001, South Africa

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 21, 1-12

Abstract: The incidence of breast cancer in South Africa is increasing, with rural South African women presenting with advanced stages of the disease. A woman’s breasts are a symbol of her womanhood; they also constitute a social definition of her femininity. Women with breast cancer in rural South Africa are heavily stigmatized and suffer from various sociocultural interpretations of the disease. Breast cancer is frequently interpreted in rural South Africa as a symbol of witchcraft, sin, and punishment, and traditionally, it is treated by offering animal sacrifices, consumption of herbs, and prayer to ancestors. Using care-seeking behaviour theory as the theoretical framework, we intend to explore the sociocultural factors influencing breast cancer screening practices among rural South African women. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 22 rural South African women selected by purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study identified four sociocultural factors influencing women’s practices of breast cancer screening in rural South Africa, including psychological factors, habits, beliefs, and perceptions of healthcare. Women in rural South African communities have deep-rooted traditional beliefs and practices regarding breast cancer. Consequently, this influences women’s preventative health behaviours regarding breast cancer screening. The development of culturally appropriate health education programs involving traditional healers and influential community leaders is essential to increasing the number of women being screened for breast cancer in rural South Africa.

Keywords: breast cancer; culture; belief; rural; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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