Exploring Knowledge, Beliefs, And Misconceptions on Breast Cancer in an Urban Fishing Community in Ghana - A Qualitative Study

Knowledge, Beliefs and Misconceptions on Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objective: This study set out to understand the beliefs of an indigenous population and explore the reasons behind this delayed presentation.

Methodology: This qualitative study adopted a cross-sectional design and was carried out in Jamestown, Ghana. The participants included opinion leaders and ordinary community members. Four focused group discussions (FGDs) and six key-informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted. A general inductive approach was used to analyze the data. Transcripts of interviews were coded in line with the developed codebook.

Results: A total of 46 participants aged 18-70 years were enrolled in this study comprising six key informants and 40 FGD participants. The median age of the key informants was 47.4 years and that of the FGD participants was 39.1 years. Females constituted 45.7% of all participants. The main themes that emerged for causes of breast cancer were; sexual fore play, exposures (risky practices), infections and “at risk groups”. “Breast changes” was the main theme for presentation of breast cancer while stigma, fear, support systems, religion and attitude of healthcare workers were the dominant themes that influenced care seeking behaviour of participants.

Conclusion: The people of Jamestown had some misconceptions regarding the causes of breast cancer. They also had some knowledge about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. They believed that early diagnosis and prompt treatment could improve the outcome of breast cancer but fear and stigma associated with the condition prevented affected individuals from seeking care early.