Abstract
Background: Stigma of cancer patients was identified with death, making cancer is the most feared diseases by mankind worldwide especially cancer patients and their families. A critical evaluation of the breast cancer stigma regarding breast cancer screening behaviour is poorly understood, so we aimed to analyse the stigmatization of breast cancer patient in Indonesia for reducing morbidity and mortality of breast cancer.
Methods: A qualitative study using focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with thematic analysis was conducted in this research.
Results: The informants endured the pain of their breast and kept the referral letter which the medical doctor advised to medical treatment for three months later due to their embarrassment. Traditional healing using scrapping as known ‘kerokan’ and consumed some traditional drink were done by most informants to decrease the pain on their breast. Finally, most informants were diagnosed in an advanced stage when they returned to the health facilities. In addition, financial difficulties were noted as barriers of breast cancer screening in such Indonesia.
Conclusions: Feeling fear and shame when diagnosed with breast cancer were identified in this study. Alternative treatment using scrapping as known ‘kerokan’ lead the first seeking help for breast cancer symptoms due to financial difficulties among patient of breast cancer. Diagnosed in an advanced stage was revealed by most of the informants after they returned back to health facilities.
Breast cancer stigma among Indonesian female: a case study breast cancer patient.