'I don't know when it's my turn': reasons for low uptake of cancer-related healthcare services in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Participation rates in early cancer detection and follow-up cancer related healthcare services are lower than anticipated in many high-income countries. Germany also provides a variety of these services free-of-charge under its highly subsidized public healthcare system. This qualitative study aimed to determine the barriers perceived or experienced by service users in Germany against utilizing cancer screenings and treatment services.

Methods

A semi-structured interview protocol was developed based on current literature and in consultation with stakeholders in cancer-related professions. The interviews aimed at exploring the underlying reasons for underutilization of cancer prevention or treatment services. Interviews were conducted from a pool of respondents (N 

SUBMITTER: Zafar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12275257 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature