Treatment decision making in West African women with breast cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding factors that influence treatment decision making in West African women diagnosed with breast cancer living in London
IRAS ID
179021
Contact name
Amanda Shewbridge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 5 days
Research summary
The United Kingdom (UK) has become a nation of ethnic and cultural diversity. There is some evidence that some women from different backgrounds living in the UK do not receive the full range of treatments available for breast cancer. There is little research available to understand why this happens. The purpose of this study is to understand the meaning of a breast cancer diagnosis and the values, beliefs and behaviours that contribute to the treatment decision making process among West African women living in London who present with breast cancer. The study also aims to understand how women’s interpretations of interactions with health care professionals may influence their decisions about treatment. The study will use a critical ethnography approach to explore the factors that influence decision making in this patient group through the experiences of women with breast cancer, those identified as supporting them in their decision making, for example partners or family members, and the health care professionals involved in their care. West African women with breast cancer will be recruited from a London breast clinic and will be asked to consent to observation of their consultations when discussing treatment options with health care professionals. These women will then be invited to take part in 1:1 semi-structured interviews to develop further understanding of the subject. Those identified by the women as supporting them in their decision making and the health care professionals involved in their care will also be invited to take part in 1:1 semi-structured interviews. Interviews transcripts and field notes from the observations will be analysed using a critical interpretative approach. The findings will inform the development of a script for a short play. This study is being undertaken as a doctoral project for the degree of PhD in Health Sciences.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0032
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion