Risk Perception and Opinions about Cervical and Breast Cancer in Adult Women in the City of Buenos Aires

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Women find it difficult to have a Pap-smear test or mammogram done due to social and cultural factors. The frequency of these tests during the reproductive period is low and decreases with age. OBJECTIVES: To describe the opinions of adult women in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) about cervical and breast cancer, detection techniques, relevant factors in risk perception and preventive practices. METHODS: Research was carried out using primary data obtained in 2004 and 2005 through in-depth interviews. The intentional sample included 30 women aged 50 to 64 from low and middle socioeconomic class, all of them living in CABA. RESULTS: The fear of cancer, the connection between feeling ill and being ill, the lack of information about the advantages of Pap-smear test and mammogram, the concept of prevention as a synonym for immediately get professional advice after noticing changes in their physical condition, but not before, the persistence of taboos incorporated in socialization and the role played by taking care of their family had influence on risk perception of getting cancer and preventive practices. CONCLUSIONS: Although there seems to be more information about cervical and breast cancer in adulthood, there remain numerous socio-cultural barriers impeding women to remain in the processes of care that help prevent disease.