Perceptions of Ghanaian Women Regarding Breast Cancer Screening Behavior

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer among women is currently the most diagnosed cancer globally, with an estimated 2.3 million cases recorded in 2020. In Ghana, breast cancer constitutes 31.8% of all cancers diagnosed in women in 2020 with an incidence rate of 15 to 35 per 100,000. Research into factors that influence engagement of Ghanaian women in breast cancer screening is limited and the existing literature has produced conflicting results. This research aimed to enhance understanding of Ghanaian women’s knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding breast cancer. This study explored Ghanaian women’s perceptions of breast cancer screening behaviour and provided insights to how breast cancer is perceived and approached within this context. By investigating these perceptions, the study sought to uncover the factors influencing Ghanaian women’s participation in early detection and breast screening. Methods: In this study, I employed a qualitative research design based on Interpretive Description by Thorne (2016), focusing on women in the mixed rural community of Apra, Ghana. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 14 local women, with an interview guide informed by constructs from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Key constructs, such as perceived barriers, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and subjective norms, were explored. Using reflexive thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2022), the analysis provided in-depth exploration of participants perceptions, highlighting key themes related to their health beliefs and behaviors. Findings: The study revealed that Ghanaian women’s perceptions of breast cancer screening are shaped by cultural beliefs, stigma, and limited knowledge. Key themes included the view of the breast as sacred, leading to reluctance in discussing or undergoing screenings, and the fear of social judgment, with some seeing breast cancer as a moral or spiritual failure. Participants had limited knowledge of breast cancer symptoms but were open to receiving information from healthcare professionals. Additionally, faith in divine protection influenced some women’s reluctance to seek medical care. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive health education to promote early detection. Significance and Conclusion: This study contributes to the academic discourse on breast cancer awareness by providing evidence on the perceptions and screening behaviors of Ghanaian women. It highlights the influence of cultural beliefs, social norms, and limited knowledge on early detection practices. The insights gained can inform the development of community-engaged, culturally sensitive health education programs and may guide policies, aimed at improving breast cancer screening uptake and access to breast health services in mixed rural Ghanaian communities.