Health communication in indigenous languages found to support breast cancer awareness

Story by Gofaone Motsamai

A study by researchers at North-West University’s Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research focus area has found that the use of Indigenous languages in health communication supports women’s understanding and responses to breast cancer risk factors.

Conducted by Dr. Evaristus Adesina and Prof. Abiodun Salawu, the study examined how different information sources; including the internet, health workers, and interpersonal networks, affect women’s knowledge of breast cancer risks. It found that while digital platforms and health professionals are the most used sources, many women have limited knowledge of key risk factors such as family history, early menstruation, obesity, and hormone use.

“More than 70% of the participants indicated willingness to conduct breast self-examinations or seek medical help, but knowledge about risk factors remained limited,” said Adesina and Salawu. “This shows the need for information that is not only shared but understood, and language plays a part in that process.”

The study showed that the internet and health workers had the strongest effect on knowledge and attitudes. However, understanding was often affected by the language in which information was received. Many women with limited literacy in English or other dominant languages did not fully grasp health messages unless presented in Indigenous languages.

“Messages delivered in Indigenous languages are more likely to be accepted and understood,” said the authors. “Language is not just a tool; it shapes how people receive and interpret messages.”

The study recommends that breast cancer education efforts include Indigenous languages through platforms such as radio, community outreach, health workers, and digital content to reach wider audiences.

The researchers also noted the limits of relying only on the internet for health information, pointing out the risk of misinformation. They stressed the need for accurate, trusted communication that includes Indigenous language use to improve understanding.

“This is about making information accessible,” said the authors. “When women receive information in a language they use daily, it helps them make decisions and take action.”

Dr. Evaristus Adesina is a postdoctoral fellow at the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Humanities, North West University, Mahikeng Campus, South Africa.

Prof. Abiodun Salawu is the Director of Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Humanities, North West University, Mahikeng Campus, South Africa.