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

ABSTRACT:

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 unem

SUBMITTER: Harries J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7666481 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature