Breast Cancer Barriers to Education and Screening in People Experiencing Homelessness

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Qualitative Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Breast cancer affects approximately 42,211 Americans annually, with higher incidence and mortality rates among people experiencing homelessness (PEH).
• Despite available screenings, PEH have lower participation rates than the general population, hindering early detection.
• Early breast cancer detection significantly improves survival rates, making screening access critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives of PEH on the challenges encountered in accessing breast cancer screenings, education, and care.
• To identify specific barriers that prevent PEH from engaging in regular breast cancer screening protocols.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology design was employed to gather in-depth insights.
• Data were collected through a focus group comprising 18 individuals experiencing homelessness in New Jersey.
• Trustworthiness was established using credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability to ensure research rigor.

Main Results:

• Key challenges identified by PEH included financial constraints, family obligations, time limitations, accessibility issues, emotional factors, and educational gaps.
• These factors collectively contribute to lower breast cancer screening rates within the PEH community.

Conclusions:

• Findings can inform healthcare practitioners about critical barriers affecting breast cancer education, screening, and care for PEH.
• Addressing financial, logistical, and educational needs can enhance patient openness to screenings.
• Increased dialogue and targeted interventions can improve breast cancer screening participation among people experiencing homelessness.