Predictors of Cancer Risk Reduction Behaviours and Intention to Seek Help for Symptoms of Cancer Amongst Black African, African-Caribbean, South Asian Migrants and British Participants Living Within the UK: A Mixed Methods Study

There is limited research examining medical help-seeking behaviour amongst the Black population in the United Kingdom. This thesis aimed is to understand intentions to seek help for symptoms of cancer among Black African and African-Caribbean migrants living within the UK using a mixed methods approach. An additional aim was to examine the role beliefs around the COVID-19 pandemic on intentions to seek medical help for cancer symptoms. A systematic review of 32 studies identified structural and systemic barriers (e.g., discrimination and racism) as factors affecting behaviour towards healthcare services. Additional factors identified were fear and distrust – affecting help-seeking behaviour in this population group. These barriers and beliefs were found as contributors influencing these groups to delay seeking help. A quantitative study examined predictors of help-seeking amongst Black, South Asian, and White British groups (N=265). The findings showed significant differences in responses according to ethnicity. White participants were less likely to report seeking help from religious leaders than either Black or South Asian participants. (p