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Psychosocial Aspects of Female Breast Cancer in the Middle East and North Africa

Author

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  • Haya Salem

    (Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

  • Suhad Daher-Nashif

    (Population Medicine Department, College of Medicine, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar)

Abstract

Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is associated with social and psychological implications deriving from women’s socio-cultural contexts. Examining 74 articles published between 2007 and 2019, this literature/narrative review explores the psychosocial aspects of female breast cancer in the MENA region. It highlights socio-cultural barriers to seeking help and socio-political factors influencing women’s experience with the disease. In 17 of 22 Arab countries, common findings emerge which derive from shared cultural values. Findings indicate that women lack knowledge of breast cancer screening (BCS) and breast cancer self-examination (BSE) benefits/techniques due to a lack of physicians’ recommendations, fear, embarrassment, cultural beliefs, and a lack of formal and informal support systems. Women in rural areas or with low socioeconomic status further lack access to health services. Women with breast cancer, report low self-esteem due to gender dynamics and a tendency towards fatalism. Collaboration between mass media, health and education systems, and leading social-religious figures plays a major role in overcoming psychological and cultural barriers, including beliefs surrounding pain, fear, embarrassment, and modesty, particularly for women of lower socioeconomic status and women living in crises and conflict zones.

Suggested Citation

  • Haya Salem & Suhad Daher-Nashif, 2020. "Psychosocial Aspects of Female Breast Cancer in the Middle East and North Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6802-:d:415311
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Suhad Daher-Nashif & Hiba Bawadi, 2020. "Women’s Health and Well-Being in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: A Narrative Review of Achievements and Gaps in the Gulf States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-8, February.
    2. Jassim, Ghufran A. & Whitford, David L., 2014. "Understanding the experiences and quality of life issues of Bahraini women with breast cancer," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 189-195.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nasser Shubayr & Rola Khmees & Ali Alyami & Naif Majrashi & Nada Alomairy & Siddig Abdelwahab, 2022. "Knowledge and Factors Associated with Breast Cancer Self-Screening Intention among Saudi Female College Students: Utilization of the Health Belief Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Ehab Hamed & Bayan Alemrayat & Mohamed Ahmed Syed & Suhad Daher-Nashif & Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed & Tanya Kane, 2022. "Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices amongst Women in Qatar," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-12, March.

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