Perceptions of Cancer Risks Among Indigenous Women in Bolivia: A Qualitative Study

Cancer is responsible for nearly 20% of all deaths in Bolivia. This study explored sociocultural factors, risk perceptions, and healthcare-seeking behaviors associated with cancer among Aymara women in a high-altitude community in rural Bolivia.

In May 2025, two focus groups were conducted in Spanish with 20 women aged 18 and older in Sajama, a remote Andean town. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling with support from local collaborators. Discussions were guided by a semi-structured interview schedule, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was conducted using independent coding and integration of findings.

Cancer was described as a deeply feared and often silent illness, typically recognized only once symptoms had progressed and perceived as largely incurable. Five key themes emerged: perceptions of cancer risk; barriers to care-including geographic isolation, financial challenges, and mistrust in the healthcare system; the parallel use of traditional and biomedical medicine; lifestyle-related cancer risks; and environmental stressors contributing to concerns about cancer.

These findings emphasize the importance of culturally grounded education and community-driven strategies to improve cancer awareness, early detection, and access to care among indigenous populations in rural regions.