Beyond language: Motivators and barriers to breast cancer screening among Korean-speaking women in Sydney Metropolitan, Australia.

BACKGROUND

There are persistent disparities in breast screening participation rates between Australian-born women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Cancer Institute NSW statistics from 2015 show Korean speaking women had the second lowest breast screening participation rates when compared across all language groups.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to gain a better understanding of the motivators and barriers associated with participation in breast cancer screening among women from a Korean background living in the Sydney metropolitan area.

METHODS

Semi-structured individual interviews (n = 32) and small focus groups (n = 28) were conducted. Data from interviews and focus group discussions were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The findings highlight the barriers to access breast screening services extend beyond language to include perception, a lack of knowledge and understanding of the services offered, unfamiliarity with the Australian healthcare system and distrust in breast screening services.

CONCLUSION

Supporting Korean women to understand and navigate the Australian healthcare system plays an important role in increasing breast screening participation rates. Key strategies to provide this support include the delivery of culturally sensitive health promotion and community engagement as well as the provision of translated health information.