Women’s Perception of Barriers to Breast Self-examination (BSE)

Abstract

Monthly BSE is an important screening behavior for early detection of breast cancer. However, despite these advantages, many people refuse this medical behavior. The goal of this study has been to make women aware of barriers to women’s BSE. In this study, 19 women who did BSE were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and the content analysis was used for data analysis. Based on the result analysis, two themes was seen which was related to women’s perception of barriers to BSE including “lack of training programs in the field of BSE and the attitudes and beliefs towards self-examination were obtained. Training courses on breast cancer and BSE screening program for women (vulnerable poor population) is necessary so as to change their beliefs and culture in order to promote this health behavior.