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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Perspectives of Aboriginal women on participation in mammographic screening: a step towards improving services

Authors: Leanne Pilkington, Margaret M. Haigh, Angela Durey, Judith M. Katzenellenbogen, Sandra C. Thompson

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Early detection of breast cancer using screening mammography provides an opportunity for treatment which can lead to significantly improved outcomes. Despite considerable efforts having been made, the rate at which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter respectfully referred to as Aboriginal) women in Western Australia participate in BreastScreen WA’s screening mammogram program remains below that for the overall female population of Western Australia. This study aimed to examine perspectives on breast screening amongst Aboriginal women in Western Australia. We explored the factors which impact on participation in breast screening and sought to identify potential initiatives to address lower participation in screening.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and yarning sessions were conducted with a total of 65 research participants. They were all Aboriginal and comprised consumers and health professionals from locations across the state.

Results

Our findings show that research participants generally were willing to have a mammogram. Key reasons given were having a genetic predisposition to breast cancer and a perception of investing in health for the sake of the next generation, as well as personal well-being. Barriers identified included lack of education about or understanding of screening, inadequacies in cultural appropriateness in the screening program, cultural beliefs around cancer in general and breast cancer in particular, and competing health and life priorities. However, many enablers were identified which can serve as potential strategies to assuage fear and increase screening uptake. These included increased education delivered by respected Aboriginal women, culturally appropriate promotion and the provision of care and support from other women in the community.

Conclusion

The higher participation rates for Aboriginal women in Western Australia than are found for Aboriginal women nationally demonstrate the success of the strategies put in place by BreastScreen WA. These efforts must be supported and existing policies and practices enhanced to address the limitations in the existing program. Only by implementing and evaluating such initiatives and making breast screening programs more accessible to Aboriginal women can the current disparity between the screening participation rates of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women be reduced.
Footnotes
1
The concept of “shame” as used by Aboriginal English speakers is broader than the non-Aboriginal use of the word. It extends to include embarrassment in certain situations [51] and self-consciousness often due to attention (for positive or negative reasons) rather than as the result of an action by the individual [52].
 
2
In Aboriginal culture certain customs and practices are performed by men and women separately, often referred to as “Men’s and Women’s Business” [53].
 
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Metadata
Title
Perspectives of Aboriginal women on participation in mammographic screening: a step towards improving services
Authors
Leanne Pilkington
Margaret M. Haigh
Angela Durey
Judith M. Katzenellenbogen
Sandra C. Thompson
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4701-1

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