title: Women's reasons for and barriers to seeking care for breast cancer symptoms.
abstract: Of note, these findings are based on women who did seek care for symptoms, rather than those who did not. However, the sample does include late care seekers; 23% of participants sought care after 3 months, and 3.6% waited more than a year. Delay often is defined as seeking care 3 months after symptoms are noted. Community health workers, such as public health nurses, may be able to document barriers among women who have symptoms but have not sought care. In this sample of predominantly low-income, minimally educated participants, women were motivated to seek care for their breast symptoms to obtain consultations and diagnoses, as well as to deal with their concerns about their symptoms and possible cancer diagnoses. Clinicians can recognize women's need to know the meaning of their symptoms, providing clarification as soon as possible and reassurance as appropriate. Clinicians and families can affirm that making time for women's symptom evaluations is a priority. Knowing that women's common barriers to accessing the health care system involve financial, time, and logistical considerations can direct health care administrators' agendas. Administrators, clinicians, and women can work for changes in health policies to assure universal coverage for preventive services for all women.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lauver
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coyle
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Panchmatia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors