Abstract
Background Cancer-related beliefs, including cancer fatalism, have been shown to influence Blacks' adherence to cancer screening behaviors. Healthcare discrimination, religious beliefs, income, and education are known determinants of cancer fatalism, however, it is unclear whether other cultural and cancer-related beliefs and/or experiences play a role in fatalistic beliefs. Purpose To determine how sociodemographic characteristics, cancer-related and cultural beliefs contribute to cancer fatalism in a sample of Black adults. Methods A statewide survey was completed by 194 Black adults ≥18 years without a history of cancer from November 2014-July 2015. Sociodemographic characteristics, cancer worry, perceived cancer risk, knowing someone with cancer, mistrust in the medical system, present orientation, religious identity, and religious behaviors were assessed through the survey. Cancer fatalism was measured using a revised version of the Powe Fatalism Inventory. Multiple regression was used to analyze survey data. Results Regression analyses on 131 surveys with complete responses showed that age, income, possessing health insurance, having a present orientation, and engaging in prayer were significant predictors of fatalistic cancer beliefs (R2= 0.26, p<0.05). Discussion The results support some previously established influences on cancer fatalism; however, other influences, specifically medical mistrust, religious identification, and church attendance did not predict cancer fatalism. Cancer fatalism is not directly related to religion but may be indirectly associated with religious practices that indicate a high external locus of control. Examining the contributors of cancer-related beliefs may yield valuable information that can enhance culturally appropriate cancer communication and programming.
Citation Format: Deeonna E. Farr, Heather M. Brandt, Daniela B. Friedman, Cheryl A. Armstead, Sue P. Heiney, Swann A. Adams, Wanda Green, James R. Hébert. Influence of culture and religion on fatalistic cancer beliefs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A79.
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