Perceptions about cancer and barriers towards cancer screening among ethnic minority women in a deprived area in Denmark – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Screening programmes for cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer have been implemented in many Western countries to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. Ethnic minority women are less likely to participate in cancer screening than the majority population. In worst case this can result in higher incidence rates, later diagnosis and treatment and ultimately inferior survival. In this paper we explored the perceptions about cancer and perceived barriers towards cancer screening participation among ethnic minority women in a deprived area in Denmark. Methods: Interview study with ethnic minority women in a deprived area in Denmark. The interviews were transcribed verbatim followed by an inductive content analysis. Results: Cancer was perceived as a deadly disease that could not be treated. Cancer screening was perceived as only relevant if the women had symptoms. Knowledge about cancer screening was fragmented, often due to inadequate Danish language skills and there was a general mistrust in the Danish healthcare system due to perceived low medical competences in Danish doctors. There was, however, a very positive and curious attitude regarding information about the Danish cancer screening programmes and a want for more information. Conclusion: Ethnic minority women did not have sufficient knowledge about cancer and the purpose of cancer screening. Perceptions about cancer screening were characterised by openness and the study showed positive and curious attitudes towards screening participation. The findings emphasise the importance of culturally adapted interventions for ethnic minority women in attempts to reduce inequality in screening participation.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions about Cervical Cancer Risk, Prevention and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Vulnerable Women in Greece

“…Similar findings were recorded in the qualitative study in groups of women from ethnic minority groups aged 23 to 72 years in a deprived area in Denmark [ 6 ] regarding knowledge and attitudes towards cancer prevention. Knowledge on the disease was fragmented and perceptions such as the incurability of cancer and relevance of action only in the presence of symptoms were prevalent.…”

“…In our study, the lack of knowledge and the poor attitudes and perceptions on cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine indicate the need of education and intervention, as is the case in many other studies [ 6 , 7 , 23 , 24 ]. It is also important to note that there is a high percentage of ignorance of the relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer as well as the preventive effect of the HPV vaccine, especially in younger ages and mothers of adolescents, despite the fact that a national immunisation programme for HPV has been operating in Greece since 2008.…”

“…The participation of vulnerable women in prevention activities, such as the primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and regular administration of Pap smear tests, is usually limited—mostly due to reasons related to social exclusion factors that inherently hinder access to the healthcare services [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Moreover, there are indications that, apart from the socio-economic characteristics of these vulnerable groups, factors related to health behaviour that reflect knowledge level, attitudes and perceptions towards the disease contribute to the low participation of these women.…”

“…Moreover, there are indications that, apart from the socio-economic characteristics of these vulnerable groups, factors related to health behaviour that reflect knowledge level, attitudes and perceptions towards the disease contribute to the low participation of these women. These perceptions usually relate to cultural elements and local customs [ 6 ].…”

Organized Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Attendance and Determinants in Southern Italy

“…Indeed, the frequency of invitation in Southern Italy has been reported to be 59% and 74% for breast and cervical cancer screening, respectively [ 9 , 10 ]. Moreover, several determinants that influence attendance to screening programs have been identified, with marked disparities among women in socially or economically disadvantaged groups, as well as in immigrant or ethnic minority populations [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Furthermore, the coexistence of both opportunistic and organised screening programs makes it difficult to gather comprehensive information about screening coverage [ 8 ].…”