Afghan immigrant women's knowledge and behaviors around breast cancer screening

Background This community‐based participatory research was conducted to provide a preliminary understanding of how Afghan women in Northern California view their breast health. Methods Results were based on demographics and in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted with 53 non‐English‐speaking first‐generation immigrant Muslim Afghan women 40 years and older. Results Findings showed low levels of knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and low utilization of early‐detection examinations for breast cancer among participants. Conclusions The findings also suggest a significant need for a community‐based breast health education program that recognizes the unique social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the Muslim Afghan community. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.