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BMC Women's Health
Published in: BMC Women's Health 1/2021

01-12-2021 | Breast Cancer | Research article

Fears and barriers: problems in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Pakistan

Authors: Sidra Saeed, Muhammad Asim, Malik Muhammad Sohail

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

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.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
Quran is the central religious book of Islam, which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God.
 
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Metadata
Title
Fears and barriers: problems in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Pakistan
Authors
Sidra Saeed
Muhammad Asim
Malik Muhammad Sohail
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01293-6

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