Prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer in Benghazi-Libya: Patients’ points of view: A qualitative study

Abstract

Programs focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment of breast cancer (BC) are crucial for enhancing survival rates, improving quality of life, reducing morbidity and mortality. Patients’ experiences play important role in detecting gaps in present programs help creating and executing initiatives that raise awareness about risk factors, promote screenings, and ensure early detection and effective management of BC. Aim of the study: - Explore patients’ experiences and knowledge. - Address use of Breast Self-Examination (BSE), screening programs. - Describe financial burden of BC management. Participants and method: Qualitative study during January- March 2022, at Benghazi Medical Center. 31 patients participated. In-depth interviews conducted, recorded. Familiarizations of data, coding, identifying thematic framework, indexing, charting, mapping, interpretation and reporting findings. Results: Half the sample were below fifty, no family history of BC, one-third of patients discovered by (BSE). Two themes developed: 1) Prevention, Education and Early detection: patients lack scientific knowledge of BC risk factors and causes. Two-thirds of patients never applied BSE. Most cases diagnosed in advanced stages. Lack of communication between healthcare providers and patients led to late detection. 2) Diagnosis, treatment and support: public health financing programs inadequacy, medical system weakness led to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Lack of fundings caused out of pockets spending, (catastrophic spending). Need of patient groups to provide medical, psychological and social support. Conclusion: Urgent need to improve screening and diagnosis, treatment and palliative care of BC patients. Need to develop organized frameworks and management guidelines for prevention, early detection and management of BC in Libya.