Perceptions of Cancer and Health Seeking Behaviour: Strategies for Cancer Prevention and Control in New Brunswick

Principal Investigator: Dr. Koumari Mitra
Professor, Department of Anthropology
University of New Brunswick
Fredericton,  New Brunswick
E3B 5A3   Canada

Funded by New Brunswick Regional Research Development Program in partnership with the National Cancer Institute of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society

This research study has sought to conduct an in-depth examination of beliefs concerning cancer prevention and control of selected New Brunswick  population groups. A qualitative approach comprising of semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and narrative analysis was used to understand the influence of cultural beliefs on health seeking behaviour  with respect to cancer prevention. The selected population groups were categorized according to gender, ethnicity and age to determine whether possible differences exist in the perception of cancer causation and treatment choices within these categories.  In addition, this study documents  experiences of the medical community including  physicians and oncologists  as well as  perspectives of alternative practitioners regarding cancer prevention strategies. The results from the study identify primary areas of concern that can be useful in the development of large scale region specific research and also provide valuable information for the development of community based health promotion programs in New Brunswick.

For more information contact Dr. Koumari Mitra