The Participation of Muslim Migrant Women in Gynaecological Cancer Screening Programs Within Non-Muslim Communities: A Scoping Review

Gynaecological cancer screening is a crucial preventive measure for women. Muslim migrant women exhibit lower rates of participation in such screenings due to various factors, including language barriers, cultural differences and religious beliefs. Understanding their beliefs is vital to enhancing their participation in such screening. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by Muslim migrant women in engagement in gynaecological cancer screening programs. A Scoping Review methodology was adopted identifying Arabic and English relevant articles published since year 2000 onwards. Eight studies were included. Four primary themes were identified including: Muslim women’s engagement in screening, determinants influencing participation decisions, the influence of religious convictions, and the landscape of healthcare services in the host country. Although this review sought to examine barriers related to screening for all gynaecological cancers, the current evidence base remains heavily skewed toward cervical cancer. Despite the limited number of studies identified, the existing literature provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of the multifaceted and interrelated barriers in this field, offering a strong foundation for future research and the development of targeted pilot interventions.