Experiences and perceptions about undergoing mammographic screening: a qualitative study involving women from a county in Sweden

Abstract

Purpose: An organized population-based mammographic screening programme aims for an early detection of potential breast abnormalities so that treatment can commence. Continuous participation and a high attendance rate are vital for an effective programme. It is important to understand the underlying reasons for participation in mammographic screening, should there be factors that are amendable within reason and could be adjusted. Therefore, the invited women are valuable sources of information. This study aimed at describing the experiences and perceptions about mammographic screening of women from three municipalities in a Swedish county. Method: Six semi-structured focus-group discussions, each with four to five participants, were held. Content analysis was then conducted. Results: The screening procedure, such as staff professionalism, was covered. Other people’s opinions and the woman’s own understanding affected the women’s decisions on whether or not to undergo the procedure. Structural conditions, such as travel time and financial issues, were sources of concern. However, the offer to perform mammographic screening was perceived with gratitude. Conclusions: Structural conditions, risk and time perceptions, the screening procedure, attitudes towards undergoing it and appreciation of its benefit may influence the women’s continuous willingness to be screened, which in turn may affect public and individual health.

Experiences of Patients Undergoing Bowel Preparation and Colonoscopy: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study

“…Our findings indicated, as resonated in previous research, 25 , 27 , 32 that delay in receiving test result was unpleasant. The unpleasantness can both be an expression of this delay being unexpected and an expression of their uncertainty about what to expect from the test results.…”

“…31 Similar coping mechanisms have been used by patients to minimize feelings of shame and physical discomfort in other healthcare contexts. 19,25 Our findings indicated, as resonated in previous research, 25,27,32 that delay in receiving test result was unpleasant. The unpleasantness can both be an expression of this delay being unexpected and an expression of their uncertainty about what to expect from the test results.…”

“… 23 , 24 These challenges have even shown to exist in patients who have experienced multiple colonoscopies. 25 Although planning in everyday life due to participation has also shown to be challenging in other screening settings like breast cancer screening, 26 , 27 preparation for colonoscopy has shown to interfere with everyday activities for a longer period.…”

Association between tumor characteristics and second primary cancers with cutaneous melanoma survival: A nationwide cohort study

“…The present finding that 10.9% of melanomas present with T4 class, that is, thicker than 4 mm and 2/3 of them with ulceration is another witness to a limited population penetrance of the Swedish health education, in spite of all efforts. One cost‐effective screening option would be to link skin examination to the national mammographic screening program which in Sweden is attended by 80% of the eligible women (Norfjord Van Zyl, Akhavan, Tillgren, & Asp, ). Unfortunately, the 20% non‐attendees are probably also a problem population for melanoma.…”

Screening for breast and cervical cancer among OST patients: a qualitative study of barriers and suggested interventions to increase participation

“…The increased risks associated with breast and cervical cancer among WWUD indicate the crucial importance of screening attendance in this group. In Sweden, screening compliance and experiences of WWUD remain unknown, despite an abundance of studies on Swedish women in general (Norfjord Van Zyl et al, 2018 ; Norfjord van Zyl et al, 2020 ; Oscarsson et al, 2008 ; Sterlingova & Lundén, 2018 ; Östensson et al, 2015 ). Internationally, studies on cervical screening point towards lower rates among WWUD both in and outside of OST treatment (Abrams et al, 2012 ; Haddad et al, 2015 ), as well as a lower likelihood of a recent screening in women currently using illicit drugs (Kricker et al, 2013 ).…”