Immuned by Race: Ethnic Identity, Masculinity, and Attachment as Predictors of Cancer Screening among Black Men ()
ABSTRACT
An individual’s
motivation to screen for cancer is influenced by knowledge of cancer prevalence
and perceived likelihood of being diagnosed. While the relationships between health
and masculinity, identity, and attachment have been reported, much less is known
as to how these factors influence the decision to screen for cancer. This study
aimed to determine the influence identified health and social factors have on cancer
screening among Black men. Participants (N = 369) were surveyed on questions assessing
cancer knowledge, belief about cancer diagnoses, masculinity, self-esteem, attachment
style, ethnic identity, and additional social and health characteristics. Results
from the multivariate model showed that education, ethnic identity, masculinity,
and attachment were significant indicators of cancer screening. Cancer screenings
among Black men are contingent upon a myriad of psychological, social, and behavioral
factors that are not exclusive, but rather coexisting determinants of health. Understanding
the motivation for cancer screening among Black men may begin to diminish the prevalence
of having an imminent and aggressive stage of diagnosis among this gendered population.
Focusing exclusively on Black men enhances our understanding of this adult population
by considering their identity as men of color, while recognizing unique factors
that modify actions at the individual, institutional, and policy levels.