Perceived Barriers to Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Iranian Women: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Iranian women. The early diagnosis of this disease can decrease the mortality rate and promote patient survival. Objectives: This study aimed at identifying the barriers to early detection of breast cancer in Iranian women. Methods: In this qualitative study, which was extracted from a large research project, an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was used, and conventional content analysis was carried out. Twenty-one participants were selected by purposeful sampling (ten health professionals and 11 female patients with breast cancer). Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews from July 2018 to June 2019. Results: The content analysis revealed three major themes related to delay in presentation: individual barriers (limited/lack of knowledge, other life preferences, negative reactions to the disease, and belief in fate), environmental barriers (insufficient social support, inaccurate information sources, and alternative therapy recommendations), and organizational barriers (poor quality of health services, inadequate access to health services, and role of media in informing people). Conclusions: Various perceived barriers, at different levels, play influential roles in the patients’ early detection. Therefore, collaboration between public health professionals, healthcare providers, and policymakers seems necessary for reducing delays in presentation among women.