Knowledge, attitudes and practices of women regarding breast and cervical cancer screening: a qualitative study in India

In this study, we aimed to understand the factors that influence the use of breast and cervical cancer screening services in India. Purposive sampling was applied - and 64 participants with different characteristics based on their literacy, screening status, and rural or urban setting were classified into eight groups. The Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) framework was used to conduct focus group discussions with each group. Data was analysed using directed content analysis. Regarding knowledge, our findings indicated that women who had previously undergone screening had some knowledge about the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer. Most women were unaware of the screening procedure types and their costs, eligibility criteria, and frequency. None were aware of the link between cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Regarding attitudes, all participants expressed that screening would be beneficial;when questioned if they would undergo screening without symptoms or physicians recommendations their opinions varied. The influence of their spouses or male children influenced their decision to undergo screening. Regarding practices, participants were unaware of and even overestimated the actual costs of screening services. They agreed that they would require subsidisation or fixed pricing from the government to undergo screening.