The meanings of cancer and perceptions of cancer services among South Asians in Luton, UK

Recent research has suggested that there is limited awareness of and information about cancer and cancer services among South Asian communities. This study explores the meanings of cancer and perceptions of cancer services among South Asians living in Luton. Six single-sex focus groups were conducted among the three main South Asian groups in Luton: (1) Punjabi-speaking Muslims originating from Pakistan (Pakistani Punjabi); (2) Sylheti-speaking Muslims originating from Bangladesh (Bangladeshi Sylheti); and (3) Punjabi-speaking Sikhs originating from the Indian Punjab (Indian Punjabi). Overall, it was found that the information relating to cancer for South Asian communities was limited. Participants in the study expressed a keen desire for this information to be made available via their community social networks. This lack of…