Clinicians’ experiences and perspectives of breast cancer and possible integration of breast cancer prevention and early detection into palliative care

Abstract

Background: Late presentation of breast cancer (BC) is a public health concern due to its impact on survival and mortality, especially, in low-resourced countries. Prevention and early detection of breast cancer are required to improve breast cancer outcomes in developing countries. Objective: This study explores clinicians’ experiences and perspectives of breast cancer and possible the integration of breast cancer prevention and early detection into palliative care. Method: A qualitative exploratory design was employed to understand the subject of interest. In-depth-interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to generate data from seven clinicians who provided symptomatic care to patients and families diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in a developing country. The data were collected at the palliative care clinic of the Komfo Anokye Teaching hospital. The data were analyzed concurrently with data collection using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged from the data and these were: breast cancer presentation, barriers to achievement of early detection and lastly, the need for an intervention. The themes also had sub-themes. Conclusions: The study recommend the development of a model to guide the integration of breast cancer prevention and early detection into palliative care. Keywords: Breast cancer, Clinicians' experiences, Prevention, Early detection, Palliative care, Developing country