Identifying breast cancer screening barriers among Barbadian women

Background. There are no published data on barriers to breast cancer screening in Barbadian women, who experience a lower incidence yet similar mortality rate to African American women. Attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about breast cancer, including screening procedures, have been identified as barriers to screening among African American and Caribbean women in the USA. Objective. This qualitative study examined the beliefs about mammography among Barbadian women, in order to identify barriers to breast cancer screening for this population. Method. One hundred and ten participants were recruited from a primary healthcare facility and breast cancer-screening program run by a local charity. Interviews were conducted through 12 focus groups stratified by previous mammogram status (yes vs. No) and age-group (40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+ years). Qualitative analyses were carried out using QSR NVivo 8. Results. For all age groups, lack of/erroneous health information, fear and cost were identified as the principal barriers to breast cancer screening. However, specific beliefs/fears varied by age group (e.g. younger women feared losing a romantic relationship after diagnosis, while older women believed that the mammography machine causes breast cancer). The taboo societal perception of breast cancer was also identified as a major barrier to screening. Conclusions. Three main categories of breast cancer screening barriers among Barbadian women were identified, although within categories, differences were observed between age-groups. If screening is to be increased in this population, health messages should be tailored for each category and age group, providing accurate information to dispel myths and provide support.