Women’s Self-imposed Barriers to Timely Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objective: To describe the barriers that prevent women with breast cancer (BC) from seeking health care and adopting habits conducive to early detection and timely treatment. Materials and methods: This is a qualitative study based on grounded theory. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 women between 24 and 77 years of age who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The interviews were conducted between 2006 and 2008 in Medellin, Colombia. Results: “Self-imposed barriers” are described, such as a fear of medical environments and treatment, delays in consulting a physician because work and family are considered a priority, and negative therapeutic experiences. Conclusions: The study shows “self-imposed barriers” prevent timely BC diagnosis and treatment. However, these barriers cannot be explained from a simplistic and isolated standpoint. Human beings are the result of their background, context, personal experiences and relationships with others. One of the main findings was the description of a process whereby women eventually develop a new logic concerning the risk of BC, specifically one that allows them to think about self-care and the care of others as subjects at risk.