Towards timely diagnosis of symptomatic breast and cervical cancer in South Africa

Moodley, Jennifer; Walter, Fiona M; Scott, Suzanne E.; Mwaka, A. F. P.

doi:10.7196/samj.2018.v108i10.13478

Cited by 20 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…In SA, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality amongst women [1,6]. New breast and cervical cancer prevention and control policies and initiatives including the introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 12 in 2014, strengthening of secondary cervical cancer prevention measures and guidance on cervical screening for HIV positive women aim to reduce incidence and mortality rates in SA [1]. One of the key goals of the breast cancer policy is to promote breast health awareness and decrease time to diagnosis and treatment.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Women’s appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study

et al. 2020

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Background In South Africa, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality. Most cancers are diagnosed at a late-stage and following symptomatic presentation. The overall purpose of the study was to inform interventions aimed at improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with women with potential breast or cervical cancer symptoms from urban and rural South Africa. Participants were recruited from a community-based cross-sectional study on breast and cervical cancer awareness. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Eighteen women were interviewed (10 urban, 8 rural): the median age was 34.5 years (range 22–58). Most were unemployed, and five were HIV positive. Themes included impact and attribution of bodily changes; influence of social networks and health messaging in help-seeking; management of symptoms and help-seeking barriers. Breast changes were often attributed to manual activities or possible cancer. Women were often unsure how to interpret vaginal symptoms, attributing them to HIV, hormonal contraceptives, or partner infidelity. Concerns about cancer were based on health information from the radio, social networks, or from primary care providers. Prompt care seeking was triggered by impact of symptoms on personal lives. Rural women, especially with possible symptoms of cervical cancer, experienced challenges during help-seeking including judgmental attitudes of clinic staff. Most participants were skeptical of traditional medicine. Conclusions This is the first study exploring interpretation of possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms at a community level in South Africa. The process of interpreting bodily changes, symptom attribution and help-seeking is complex and influenced by women’s everyday life experiences. Timely diagnosis interventions should not only include cancer symptom awareness but also address individual, structural and health systems related barriers to care.

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confidence: 99%

Women’s appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study

et al. 2020

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“…The occurrence of these cancers in Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to double up in next 20 years [ 2 ]. The cancer incidence rate is estimated to increase 50% by 2030; the burden is mostly expected to increase in low- and middle-income countries [ 3 ]. The incidence and mortality rate of cancer in low- and middle-income countries are significantly increasing, and Zambia is of no exception [ 4 ].…”

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confidence: 99%

Potential Treatment of Breast and Lung Cancer Using Dicoma anomala, an African Medicinal Plant

2020

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Globally, cancer has been identified as one of the leading causes of death in public health. Its etiology is based on consistent exposure to carcinogenic. Plant-derived anticancer compounds are known to be less toxic to the normal cells and are classified into acetylenic compounds, phenolics, terpenes, and phytosterols. Dicoma anomala is a perennial herb belonging to the family Asteraceae and is widely distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa and used in the treatment of cancer, malaria, fever, diabetes, ulcers, cold, and cough. This review aimed at highlighting the benefits of D. anomala in various therapeutic applications with special reference to the treatment of cancers and the mechanisms through which the plant-derived agents induce cell death.

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“…In SA, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality amongst women [1,6]. New breast and cervical cancer prevention and control policies and initiatives including the introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 12 in 2014, strengthening of secondary cervical cancer prevention measures and guidance on cervical screening for HIV positive women aim to reduce incidence and mortality rates in SA [1]. One of key goals of the breast cancer policy is to promote breast health awareness and decrease time to diagnosis and treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Women's appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study

Harries

Scott

Walter

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: In South Africa, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality. Most cancers are diagnosed at a late-stage and following symptomatic presentation. This qualitative study set out to explore appraisal, attribution and management of potential breast and cervical cancer symptoms at a community level among undiagnosed women. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with women with potential breast or cervical cancer symptoms from urban and rural South Africa. Participants were recruited from a community-based cross-sectional study on breast and cervical cancer awareness. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Eighteen women were interviewed (10 urban, 8 rural): the median age was 34.5 years (range 22–58). Most were unemployed, and five were HIV positive. Themes included impact and attribution of bodily changes; influence of social networks and health messaging in help-seeking; management of symptoms and help-seeking barriers. Breast changes were often attributed to manual activities or possible cancer. Women were often unsure how to interpret vaginal symptoms, attributing them to HIV, hormonal contraceptives, or partner infidelity. Concerns about cancer were based on health information from the radio, social networks, or from primary care providers. Prompt care seeking was triggered by impact of symptoms on personal lives. Rural women, especially with possible symptoms of cervical cancer, experienced challenges during help-seeking including judgmental attitudes of clinic staff. Most participants were skeptical of traditional medicine. Conclusions: This is the first study exploring interpretation of possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms at a community level in South Africa. The process of interpreting bodily changes, symptom attribution and help-seeking is complex and influenced by women’s everyday life experiences. Timely diagnosis interventions should not only include cancer symptom awareness but also address individual, structural and health systems related barriers to care.

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Towards timely diagnosis of symptomatic breast and cervical cancer in South Africa

Cited by 20 publications

References 30 publications

Women’s appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study

Women’s appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study

Potential Treatment of Breast and Lung Cancer Using Dicoma anomala, an African Medicinal Plant

Women's appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study

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