More Alike than Different: Latina Immigrants’ Cancer Causal Attributions

Abstract

Abstract Latinos in the U.S. suffer health disparities including stage of disease at time of breast or colon cancer diagnosis. Understanding Latinas’ causal attributions of breast and colon cancer may provide insight into some of the individual level determinants of cancer disparities in this population. Cultural consensus analysis (CCA) is one way to study causal beliefs. The objective of this study was to describe Latina immigrants’ causal attributions of breast and colon cancer. We conducted Spanish-language interviews with 22 Latina immigrants using a qualitative exploratory design comprised of freelisting, ranking, and open-ended questions. Participants freelisted causes and risk factors for breast and colon cancer then ranked risk factors according to their perceived role in the development of each cancer. CCA was conducted on rank orders to identify whether a cultural consensus model was present. Participants answered semi-structured, open-ended questions regarding the risk factors and rankings. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. CCA showed no consensus around rank of causes for either cancer. “Genetics” and “hereditary factors” ranked first and second on average across participants for both cancers. Based on interview data, participants were less aware of colon cancer than breast cancer. Participants’ causal attributions of breast and colon cancer were similar to those reported in studies of primarily non-Latina populations. While tailoring education in other ways may make it more acceptable, evidence suggests that it is appropriate for the information provided to Latina immigrant populations about breast and colon cancers to be similar to that provided to non-Latina patients.