Klin Onkol 2021; 34(1): 40-48. DOI: 10.48095/ccko202140.
Background: Presenting breast cancer symptoms and seeking medical help is a key element in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Early presentation of symptoms increases the likelihood of recovery. However, some women do not seek medical attention as soon as they find a symptom and delay a visit to the physician. Material and methods: This study is part of a project based on DIPEx qualitative methodology focused on experience of women with breast cancer. The aim of this article is to explore reasons for the delay of the presentation of breast cancer symptoms to a physician. Fifty-three interviews with women were collected across the Czech Republic. Aiming for maximum variation of the sample, the women represent different age groups, education level, marital status, stages of illness and types of treatment. The DIPEx qualitative methodology was used. The first part of the interview is narrative, followed by a semi-structured part. The interviews were verbatim transcribed for the analysis. The data were analysed using NVivo10 software. Open coding was applied from which the categories were constructed and the themes emerged. We used the OSOP (one sheet of paper) method for a thematic analysis. Results: Delay in presenting symptoms to a physician is mainly caused by wrong symptom interpretation, and not considering symptom as serious. In some cases, defence mechanisms are activated and women tend to downplay the symptom. Cognitive distortion is triggered in some women who have experience with such a symptom. Other women tend to prioritize various life events over seeing a physician. Screening tests were perceived positively. Conclusions: Bearing the results in mind, we recommend aiming educational campaigns not only at symptom recognition and the importance of seeking medical help, but also the subsequent steps that need to be taken.
