Breast Cancer Barriers to Education and Screening in People Experiencing Homelessness

Each year in the United States, approximately 42,211 women and men die from breast cancer. Individuals experiencing homelessness are disproportionately affected, facing a higher incidence of the disease. People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have a higher incidence of breast cancer and mortality than domiciled individuals. Across all 50 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides free breast cancer screenings for eligible individuals with limited financial resources. However, PEH have screening rates that remain below the national average. Early detection is critical to identifying breast cancer. When detected in the earliest local stages, there is a 90% or better survival rate.

The objective of the study was to examine the perspective of PEH regarding perceived challenges of obtaining breast cancer screenings, education, and care.

We used a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology design. Data were gathered using a focus group consisting of PEH in the state of New Jersey. This approach allowed the researchers to access multiple viewpoints of the phenomenon through robust discussions while prioritizing individual contributions and shared experiences. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology design used trustworthiness to establish rigor, using essential details in credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability.

Eighteen individuals participated. Major considerations for this PEH focus group were finances, family, time, accessibility, emotions, and education.

The results may be used to assist healthcare practitioners in becoming more informed about barriers to breast cancer education, screenings, and care. Identifying needs about finances, obligations, accessibility, and education may assist healthcare practitioners in discussing these key factors with patients, which may lead patients to become more open to breast cancer screenings. More dialogue about breast cancer screenings with PEH may lead to more screening participation.