Faith, Culture, and Cancer: A Qualitative Study Exploring Muslim Women's Perspectives on Clinical Trials in the United Kingdom.

Introduction: Despite breast cancer disproportionately affecting ethnically diverse populations, these groups remain underrepresented in UK cancer clinical trials, limiting the validity and generalisability of research findings, including treatment efficacy and safety. Around one‐third of the UK's e...

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Publicado en:Health Expectations Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 1 - 25
Autores principales: Turner, Lorraine, Taylor, Sally, Ward, Ashleigh, Ahmed, Nighat, Yorke, Janelle
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Aug2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Aug2026
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
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        atl: Faith, Culture, and Cancer: A Qualitative Study Exploring Muslim Women's Perspectives on Clinical Trials in the United Kingdom.
      aug:
        au:
          Turner, Lorraine
          Taylor, Sally
          Ward, Ashleigh
          Ahmed, Nighat
          Yorke, Janelle
        affil: Department of Research & Innovation, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
      sug:
        subj:
          Breast Neoplasms
          Cancer Patients Psychosocial Factors
          Patient Participation
          Research, Medical
          Clinical Trials United Kingdom
          Women Psychosocial Factors
          Muslims Psychosocial Factors
          Spirituality
          Culture
          Religion and Medicine
          Patient Attitudes
          Health Beliefs
          Human
          Female
          Adult
          Middle Age
          Aged
          United Kingdom
          Qualitative Studies
          Exploratory Research
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Purposive Sample
          Snowball Sample
          Questionnaires
          Audiorecording
          Descriptive Statistics
          Data Analysis Software
          Thematic Analysis
          Health Literacy
          Communication Barriers
          Support, Social
          Funding Source
          Ethnic Groups
          Minority Groups
          Decision Making, Patient
          Health Personnel
          Professional Role
          Health Knowledge
          Access to Information
          Gender Role
          Family Relations
          Cultural Competence
          Motivation
          Social Identity
          Trust
          Professional-Patient Relations
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
          Aged: 65+ years
          Female
      ab: Introduction: Despite breast cancer disproportionately affecting ethnically diverse populations, these groups remain underrepresented in UK cancer clinical trials, limiting the validity and generalisability of research findings, including treatment efficacy and safety. Around one‐third of the UK's ethnic minority population is Muslim, yet little is known about Muslim women's experiences of breast cancer and clinical trial participation. This study aims to explore how faith, culture and religious beliefs influence Muslim women's experiences, understanding, perceptions and participation in cancer clinical trials. Methods: Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit a diverse group of Muslim women with breast cancer. Women whose first language was non‐English were included. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted either face to face, online Teams or telephone. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire. Research ambassadors, well versed in the research protocol, supported translation and participants' linguistic needs. An inductive reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) was conducted to generate codes and themes, which were then mapped onto the capability, opportunity and motivation behaviour system COM‐B model. Results: Fifteen Muslim women and three immediate family members were consented and interviewed. Participants were from a wide geographical area across Greater Manchester and Lancashire in the United Kingdom, representing diverse ethnicities, age and social position. Women with primary and secondary breast cancer participated; the majority were undergoing systemic anticancer therapy, and three had taken part in randomised clinical trials. RTA generated five main themes: 'What defines who I am,' 'perception of cancer,' 'perception and experience of clinical trials,' 'information & education to support decision making,' and 'the role of the healthcare professional (HCP) in supporting trial participation.' Women's capability to participate was shaped by their knowledge of clinical trials and access to information. Opportunities were influenced by sociocultural factors, including gender roles, family expectations and HCPs' cultural competence, while motivation was shaped by women's identity, religion and trust in HCPs. Conclusion: This study provides insight into Muslim women's health‐related beliefs and behaviours that influence participation in cancer clinical trials. Findings will help identify areas where action can be taken at intrapersonal, interpersonal and community level to help empower women to participate in cancer clinical trials. Patient and Public Contribution: Ethnically diverse patients and members from community grassroots organisations informed a culturally sensitive protocol. Research ambassadors contributed across the research cycle, including adapting interview materials, supporting recruitment and participation (particularly for non‐English speakers), and providing cultural and religious insight during analysis and interpretation.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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