Barriers and facilitators to breast cancer screening among migrant women within Turkey

The purpose of this study was to examine facilitators and barriers that migrant women in Turkey identified related to breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography.

Focus group method was conducted with 39 women. An interview guide based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used.

Three main themes became apparent as a result of data analysis: (a) knowledge and awareness about breast cancer, (b) personal factors, and (c) medical service provider and social environment.

Focus groups conducted in line with HBM and HPM were effective in explaining barriers and facilitators toward participation of women in screening behaviors. Lack of information, indifference, and cultural factors are the most important barriers of women.

The study will shed light on health care professionals working in primary health care organizations for developing the health training programs and consulting strategies in order to increase breast cancer screening practices of migrant women.