Breast cancer and screening prevention programmes: Perceptions of women in a multicultural community in Southern Thailand

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide and in Thailand.

Objective: This study aims to explore perceptions of breast cancer and screening prevention programs among a group of at-risk women in a multicultural setting in southern Thailand.

Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted for data collection with 30 at-risk women, purposely selecting participants from both Muslim and Buddhist backgrounds. The thematic analysis method was employed to analyze the data.

Results: Four key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) perceptions of breast cancer, (2) being diagnosed with breast cancer and associated anxiety, (3) stigma and its effects, and (4) breast self-screening and prevention of breast cancer. Participants demonstrated some knowledge about the risk factors associated with breast cancer but expressed a belief that it could strike any woman at any time. Many felt that complete prevention was impossible, even with adherence to breast self-examination programs. Participants often attributed the occurrence of breast cancer to divine will (Allah) and karma. Although all participants were encouraged by healthcare providers at local health centers to attend breast self-screening training, many lacked the confidence to perform self-screening independently after the training. This led to infrequent self-screening practices, with responsibility shifted to health practitioners. While participants recognized the importance of breast self-screening for early detection, various barriers impeded their regular practice, including insufficient knowledge about breast cancer, deeply rooted beliefs, low self-awareness, lack of screening skills, and inadequate healthcare facilities.

Conclusions: There is a need for public health providers to better understand the perceptions, beliefs, and practices regarding breast cancer among diverse cultural groups. Developing prevention practices tailored to these women is crucial to enhance adherence to preventive measures and reduce their vulnerability to breast cancer.