Knowledge, Beliefs and Feelings about Breast Cancer: The Perspective of African American Women.

A naturalistic qualitative research study was conducted focusing on young African American women with breast cancer and their biological mothers. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 participants to identify their knowledge, beliefs and feelings of breast cancer. Several women reported issues of medical distrust; limited treatment options; breast cancer is a death warrant. Social support was essential for survival. Implications of the research for nursing education and the medical profession are discussed.