Opportunities and Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening in a Rural Community in Coastal Karnataka, India: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

remains dismally low in the country especially among the vulnerable groups. This coupled with a non-existent organised screening programme results in delayed diagnosis and poor survival rates (Singh et al., 2015). Existing sporadic screening services on the other hand, are

Sociodemographic correlates of cervix, breast and oral cancer screening among Indian women

“…Women with higher education and engagement professional occupations are more likely to be aware of their health conditions as well as the necessity of adopting preventive measures. So far, there is not sufficient research evidence on the barriers to cancer screening uptake among Indian women [ 34 – 36 ]. Evidence from the available small-scale studies reveals that there is a lack of awareness regarding the services and the risk factors of cancer among women.…”

Factors promoting breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings participation: A systematic review

“…People with higher educational level, employed and with greater socioeconomic status are more likely to attend cancer screenings. [21][22][23][24][25][26] Differently, being part of a minority group (i.e., for ethnicity/religion/ culture/gender identity/sexual orientation/diagnosis of mental/physical disorders) results in lower screening rates when compared to the general population.…”

“…Conversely, people possessing fatalism are more likely to perceive greater barriers for screening and, accordingly, less likely to accomplish health recommendations. 46,82,87 In the same direction, the presence of procrastination, addressed by studies reporting "lack of time", "difficulties in planning appointment", "forgetfulness", and "other priorities" as barriers 24,29,39,58,59,62,64,65,88 is associated with notable low rates of screening participation.…”

“…39,65,[106][107][108][109] Nevertheless, the relational dimension may also entail potential shadows, in particular concerning cancer stigma and shame. 21,24,26,61,75 This can be expressed, for example, through the idea of personal responsibility (i.e., people with cancer are to blame for their condition), and the avoidance/expression of uncomfortable feelings when around someone with cancer. 110 Research targeting cancer stigma has deeply underlined the need for empowering men on women's health, enhancing their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes related to cancer screening (e.g., mainly the need for male family members/husband/partner).…”

“…110 Research targeting cancer stigma has deeply underlined the need for empowering men on women's health, enhancing their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes related to cancer screening (e.g., mainly the need for male family members/husband/partner). 23,24,39,88,111 However, people belonging to minority groups can perceive even higher levels of shame and stigma related to cancer screening. Specifically, people with mental/physical disorders 50,51 and members of sexual and gender minorities 27,28 may require tailored support to overwhelm concerns related to cancer screening, since they may feel their needs as misunderstood.…”