Barriers to care for women with breast cancer symptoms in rural Bangladesh

Health Care Women Int. 2018 May;39(5):536-554. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2018.1446958. Epub 2018 Apr 2.

Abstract

Breast cancer survival rates in lower-income countries like Bangladesh are approximately 50%, versus over 80% in high income countries. Anecdotal reports suggest that, beyond economic and health system barriers, sociocultural factors may influence a woman's care-seeking behavior and resultant early stage diagnoses. To understand these barriers, we conducted 63 interviews (43 women with breast cancer symptoms and 20 men) in Khulna, Bangladesh. We identified socio-cultural barriers like neglect and indifference toward women, women's lack of power to use resources, and reduced support from family due to stigma. Interventions must address these barriers and improve the status of women in Bangladesh.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bangladesh / epidemiology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Poverty
  • Qualitative Research
  • Rural Population*
  • Social Problems
  • Socioeconomic Factors