Barriers to Early Detection of Breast Cancer Among Women Living in Poverty

Abstract

Objective: Early detection and screening are the most effective means to reduce breast cancer mortality in all populations. In this study, the inhibiting factors in the applications of qualitative research methods used for the early diagnosis of breast cancer among poor women were identified.Material and methods: Through focus group interviews, 40 women ranging between 20-60 years of age, meeting the absolute poverty criteria, without regular breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography were recruited for the study. A conventional content analysis method was used in the data analysis. Interviews were recorded using a voice recorder, and the average duration of the interviews was 53 minutes.Results: Factors inhibiting women's behaviors regarding early detection of breast cancer were identified as, respectively; individual attitudes and beliefs, provision of healthcare services and, cultural factors.Conclusion: According to the data achieved, we concluded that initiatives should be planned in order to reduce the inhibiting factors in the breast cancer screening behaviors of women living in poverty. In addition, health policies concerning the provision of health care services should be revised.