Barriers to Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer amongst women in the Fiji Islands: A Qualitative Study

Naidu, CK; Wiseman, N; Hyatt, A; Harris, N

Author(s): Naidu, CK; Wiseman, N; Hyatt, A; Harris, N;
Details: Publication Year 2024-07-01,Volume 25,Issue #7,Page 2297-2303
Journal Title: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors that may account for the delay in diagnosis and treatment in Fijian female breast cancer patients. METHODS: This study adopted a qualitative approach to gain an in-depth understanding of individual barriers and participants' experiences within the Fijian context. Utilising semi-structured interviews, the study interviewed breast cancer survivors, community women, healthcare professionals, and traditional healers. RESULTS: Two primary themes emerged from participants' narratives relating to barriers to early breast cancer detection: (1) individual-related factors and (2) healthcare system-related factors. Within these, five sub-themes were identified. For individual-related factors, these included: cultural & religious beliefs, social support, and awareness & misconception. For healthcare system factors, the sub-themes were: House of death and limited community accessibility to screening and awareness initiatives. CONCLUSION: The results highlighted the need for targeted interventions that consider the importance of cultural beliefs, improve awareness, and foster trust in the healthcare system.
Keywords: Humans; Female; *Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis/psychology; *Qualitative Research; *Early Detection of Cancer/psychology; Middle Aged; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adult; *Health Services Accessibility; Fiji; *Social Support; Prognosis; Follow-Up Studies; Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology; Cultural Beliefs; Early Diagnosis; Fiji Healthcare System; Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour; Social Determinants
Department(s): Health Services Research
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2024.25.7.2297
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2024.25.7.2297
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2024-09-03 05:21:01

Last Modified: 2024-09-03 05:25:14