Journal
BMC WOMENS HEALTH
Volume 21, Issue 1, Pages -Publisher
BMC
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01293-6
Keywords
Breast cancer; Feminine sensitivity; Stigmatization; Inadequate financial resources; Social support; Pakistan
Ask authors/readers for more resources
A study in Pakistan found that women lack appropriate awareness about breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, with individual, socio-cultural, and structural barriers hindering timely screening and treatment. Awareness raising, community mobilization, and addressing socio-psychological and cultural factors are suggested as ways to address these barriers.
Background Women in Pakistan lack appropriate awareness about diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer due to a range of multifaceted barriers. There is a dearth of literature examining the socio-cultural factors that inhibit women from breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment in Punjab, Pakistan. Addressing this gap, this qualitative study sought to identify and explore the barriers that hinder women from seeking timely screening and treatment. Methods In this process 45 women (age = 18-50 years) with breast cancer were purposively sampled and interviewed from the Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (PINUM) hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Results An inductive approach was used to analyze the data which resulted in the emergence of eight subthemes under the umbrella of three major themes that delineate individual, socio-cultural and structural barriers to seek screening and treatment of breast cancer in Punjab. Individual barriers included lack of awareness, hesitance in accepting social support, and spiritual healing. The identified socio-cultural factors included feminine sensitivity, stigmatization, and aversion to male doctors. Lack of financial resources and apathetic medical services were structural barriers that hinder screening and treatment. Conclusions These barriers can be addressed through raising awareness and community mobilization about breast-self exam and treatment. The healthcare system should also pay attention to socio-psychological and cultural factors impeding women's access to available health facilities.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available