Socioeconomic impact of breast cancer on young women in Ghana: A qualitative study

Aim: This study was undertaken to discover the socioeconomic impact of breast cancer on young women in Ghana.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory and descriptive design was used to recruit 12 young women from the University of Ghana hospital, 37 Military hospital and Ridge hospital. Individual interviews were conducted face to face and data transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.

Results: Three themes emerged: perceptions and beliefs; economic concerns; and secrecy. Participants perceived that breast cancer was a test of faith, a spiritual disease that is contagious and disgraceful. Mostly, participants stopped work to cater for themselves, and as a result, they encountered financial challenges. Their challenges were compounded with conscious efforts to keep diagnosis secret to avoid being stigmatized.

Conclusion: Young women living with breast cancer need support physically, economically and socially from healthcare providers, their families and the society at large.