Cancer and cultural differences: how to understand different perceptions of treatment
Cancer, as a global health threat, is treated and responded to in a very different cultural context. These differences are reflected not only in the choice of treatment but also in the awareness, attitude and coping strategies of patients and families. Understanding and respecting these cultural differences are essential for providing comprehensive medical care and psychological support.
In some Asian cultures, traditional medicine, such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda in India and Chinese medicine in Japan, is often used in parallel with modern medicine. These traditional medical systems emphasize the physical, mental and spiritual balance and favour the use of herbs, acupuncture, massages and other natural therapies to enhance the self-healing of the body. Patients are likely to receive both chemotherapy and Chinese medicine and hope to improve the effectiveness and quality of life of treatment through an integrated approach.
In Western cultures, modern medicine usually dominates. Cancer treatment tends to focus on scientifically validated methods such as surgery, treatment and chemotherapy. Despite this, natural and substitution therapy is also receiving increasing attention in Western societies, with many patients seeking complementary treatments, such as nutritional therapy, psychotherapy and energy therapy, in addition to routine treatments, with a view to mitigating the side effects of treatment and improving overall well-being.
In some parts of Africa and Latin America, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer are often difficult to achieve due to a lack of medical resources. In these cultures, traditional beliefs and practices have far-reaching implications for the understanding and response to cancer. For example, some communities may view cancer as a disease caused by witchcraft or God ‘ s punishment and may therefore seek the help of religious leaders or traditional therapists in treatment options.
Cultural differences affect not only the choice of treatment but also how patients and families interact with the health system. In some cultures, family members play an important role in medical decision-making and may even take the place of the patient. In other cultures, individualism is more prominent and patients may prefer to make independent medical choices.
Respect for cultural differences is essential for providing effective intercultural care. Medical professionals need to understand the cultural background of patients in order to better communicate and provide support. For example, doctors should interpret medical conditions and treatment programmes in a language that the patient can understand and take into account the impact of cultural beliefs on access to treatment. In addition, the medical team should work to establish good relations with the family members of the patient in order to promote communication and understanding within the family and thus mitigate the conflicts arising from cultural differences.
In a multicultural society, patients and families need to find their own support systems. This may include communicating with other patients from the same cultural background, participating in culturally specific support groups or seeking help from health professionals with cross-cultural sensitivity. In these ways, patients can receive comprehensive medical and psychological support while respecting their cultural values.
In sum, cancer treatment and response is a complex process deeply influenced by cultural contexts. Understanding and respecting cultural differences not only helps patients and families to better cope with disease, but also promotes more humane and effective care by medical professionals. Through intercultural understanding and communication, we can create a more inclusive and supportive treatment environment for patients and help them to face the challenge of cancer.
