How delays in seeking medical care for cervical cancer patients are affected by their health-seeking behaviour: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is a global health challenge for women, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, along with long-term health consequences and economic burden. Early screening and timely treatment can effectively manage cervical cancer, making it crucial for patients to seek medical attention promptly. Positive health-seeking behaviors (HSB) involve the awareness of health issues, self-assessment of health status, and the proactive gathering of information and taking appropriate actions to maintain health. Positive HSB are key to reducing the risk of delayed healthcare access for cervical cancer patients. However, delays in seeking medical care remain prevalent globally.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the underlying factors contributing to delayed medical care in cervical cancer patients. The findings provide a basis for improving the timely access to care for these patients.

METHODS

The study was conducted between July 2024 and October 2024 at a tertiary oncology hospital in China. Cervical cancer patients who experienced delays in seeking medical care were purposively sampled and interviewed. Health-seeking behaviours were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using a theory-driven thematic approach, guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM).

RESULTS

Seventeen cervical cancer patients participated in the study. Four themes emerged: (1) perception and assessment of symptoms (lack of knowledge, benign attribution of symptoms, ignorance of symptoms); (2) perceived threat of the disease (feeling healthy, low susceptibility, no symptomatic threat); (3) perceived benefits and barriers to health-seeking behaviours (reduced disease threat, alleviated psychological and financial burden, low awareness of healthcare access, health insurance coverage, limited healthcare resources); and (4) cues to action (family support, symptom exacerbation). In general, patients with cervical cancer who lack knowledge about the disease and have a diminished perception of the threat of the disease may or may not choose to seek timely medical care after assessing the benefits of health-seeking behaviours and the barriers they face.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies key barriers to health-seeking behaviours among cervical cancer patients, including limited awareness of early symptoms and underestimated perceptions of risk and severity. It suggests that future interventions should adopt a multifaceted approach targeting healthcare providers, patients, and their social support systems. This strategy should emphasize disease-related knowledge and timely health-seeking behaviours. Clinically, greater emphasis on culturally sensitive communication and patient education is needed to reduce stigma and fear associated with gynecological care. At the policy level, expanding access to affordable screening services and strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure could help reduce disparities and promote earlier diagnosis and treatment.