Objective: To investigate the factors that may account for the delay in diagnosis and treatment in Fijian female breast cancer patients. Methods: This study adopted a qualitative approach to gain an in-depth understanding of individual barriers and participants’ experiences within the Fijian context. Utilising semi-structured interviews, the study interviewed breast cancer survivors, community women, healthcare professionals, and traditional healers. Results: Two primary themes emerged from participants’ narratives relating to barriers to early breast cancer detection: (1) individual-related factors and (2) healthcare system-related factors. Within these, five sub-themes were identified. For individual-related factors, these included: cultural & religious beliefs, social support, and awareness & misconception. For healthcare system factors, the sub-themes were: House of death and limited community accessibility to screening and awareness initiatives. Conclusion: The results highlighted the need for targeted interventions that consider the importance of cultural beliefs, improve awareness, and foster trust in the healthcare system.
Naidu, C. Kartika , Wiseman, N. , Hyatt, A. and Harris, N. (2024). Barriers to Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer amongst women in the Fiji Islands: A Qualitative Study. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 25(7), 2297-2303. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.7.2297
MLA
Naidu, C. Kartika, , Wiseman, N. , , Hyatt, A. , and Harris, N. . "Barriers to Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer amongst women in the Fiji Islands: A Qualitative Study", Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 25, 7, 2024, 2297-2303. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.7.2297
HARVARD
Naidu, C. Kartika, Wiseman, N., Hyatt, A., Harris, N. (2024). 'Barriers to Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer amongst women in the Fiji Islands: A Qualitative Study', Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 25(7), pp. 2297-2303. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.7.2297
CHICAGO
C. Kartika Naidu , N. Wiseman , A. Hyatt and N. Harris, "Barriers to Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer amongst women in the Fiji Islands: A Qualitative Study," Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 25 7 (2024): 2297-2303, doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.7.2297
VANCOUVER
Naidu, C. Kartika, Wiseman, N., Hyatt, A., Harris, N. Barriers to Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer amongst women in the Fiji Islands: A Qualitative Study. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2024; 25(7): 2297-2303. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.7.2297
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