ArticleBMC women's health2020
Women's appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study.
Article in BMC women's health, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
15 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Where do delays occur? A systematic review of the barriers to early breast cancer diagnosis across South Africa's health system.BMJ open · 2026Pooled it
- Factors Influencing the Experience of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.JCO global oncology · 2023Pooled it
- Barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening services in low-and-middle-income countries: a systematic review.BMC women's health · 2022Pooled it
- Health facility preparedness for early detection of symptomatic cancer in Southern Africa: A multi-centre cross-sectional study.PLOS global public health · 2026Article
- Navigating cancer: Insights from patient journey mapping.PloS one · 2026Article
- Factors contributing to delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer in human immunodeficiency virus-positive women.South African family practice : official journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care · 2025Article
- Facilitators and barriers to help-seeking behavior for symptoms in patients with lung cancer in China-a qualitative study.Frontiers in psychology · 2025Article
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- Barriers and facilitators for breast cancer early diagnosis in an indigenous community in Mexico: voices of otomí women.BMC women's health · 2024Article
- Women's self-reported symptoms of reproductive tract infection, medical consultations, and factors influencing them in less developed regions: perimenopausal and older women in need of urgent attention.Frontiers in public health · 2024Article
- Are Canadian Women Prepared for the Transition to Primary HPV Testing in Cervical Screening? A National Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs.Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) · 2023Article
- Patterns in the prevalence and wealth-based inequality of cervical cancer screening in India.BMC women's health · 2023Article
- Patient perspectives on delays in cervical cancer screening and follow-up care in Botswana: a mixed methods study.BMC women's health · 2022Article
- Exploring primary care level provider interpretation and management of potential breast and cervical cancer signs and symptoms in South Africa.Ecancermedicalscience · 2021Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundIn South Africa, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality. Most cancers are diagnosed at a late-stage and following symptomatic presentation. The overall purpose of the study was to inform interventions aimed at improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer.
methodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with women with potential breast or cervical cancer symptoms from urban and rural South Africa. Participants were recruited from a community-based cross-sectional study on breast and cervical cancer awareness. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
resultsEighteen women were interviewed (10 urban, 8 rural): the median age was 34.5 years (range 22-58). Most were unemployed, and five were HIV positive. Themes included impact and attribution of bodily changes; influence of social networks and health messaging in help-seeking; management of symptoms and help-seeking barriers. Breast changes were often attributed to manual activities or possible cancer. Women were often unsure how to interpret vaginal symptoms, attributing them to HIV, hormonal contraceptives, or partner infidelity. Concerns about cancer were based on health information from the radio, social networks, or from primary care providers. Prompt care seeking was triggered by impact of symptoms on personal lives. Rural women, especially with possible symptoms of cervical cancer, experienced challenges during help-seeking including judgmental attitudes of clinic staff. Most participants were skeptical of traditional medicine.
conclusionsThis is the first study exploring interpretation of possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms at a community level in South Africa. The process of interpreting bodily changes, symptom attribution and help-seeking is complex and influenced by women's everyday life experiences. Timely diagnosis interventions should not only include cancer symptom awareness but also address individual, structural and health systems related barriers to care.
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