A qualitative study on Black African female postgraduate students’ beliefs and understanding of breast cancer.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide a qualitative understanding and beliefs regarding breast cancer of Black African female postgraduate students. The study was conducted at a tertiary institution in KwaZulu-Natal. The subjects for this study, ten in total, were purposively and suitably selected. The data was collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews, which were recorded on an audiotape. They were then transcribed and translated, and further analysed through thematic analysis, in order to identify similarities among the responses of the participants. The results suggest that there is adequate knowledge of breast cancer among Black African female postgraduate students. Due to their education and exposure to knowledge about breast cancer, their beliefs can be argued to be more westernised. Further education on breast cancer is, however, recommended.