Faith Resilience in Black Americans' Cancer Journey

This insightful research delves into the profound impact of a long history of racism on cultural barriers that hinder some Black Americans from seeking cancer treatment. The literature highlights fatalism, physician mistrust, and low levels of social support and self-efficacy as prominent cultural barriers. However, the historical significance of Black Americans' religious beliefs and church involvement emerges as a resilient force against racism.

Through both quantitative and qualitative comparison studies, this research meticulously examines the role of Black cancer survivors' religious beliefs in their battle against cancer. The quantitative study reveals no significant difference in cultural attitudes between Black and White cancer survivors. In contrast, the qualitative comparison study between these racial groups unveils the transformative power of Black survivors' religion, notably in reducing fatalism and enhancing levels of physician trust, social support, and self-efficacy.