Are there gender differences, in the perception of cancer its causes, prevention and treatment?
Expressions of gender and power can play a role in providing decisions concerning treatment and moral dilemmas in medical care (Clark 1998; Rapp 1998; Sargent et al. 1996). Gender ideology influences an individuals experience of sickness, sense of empowerment, and relationship with family, physicians and other health care providers. Furthermore, expressions of gender and power can play a role in providing decisions concerning treatment and moral dilemmas in medical care (Sargent et al. 1996; Clark 1998; Rapp 1998). Thus, the importance of comparing the experiences of women and men with respect to cancer can reveal the social constructions of gender roles that can influence health seeking behaviour and control strategies. iii). Ethnic differences: Are there ethnic differences in the perception of causes of cancer? A recent study of beliefs about cervical cancer showed a marked difference between the beliefs of Latina immigrants, who viewed cervical cancer as a consequence of immorality
