# Barriers to breast cancer screening among female teachers: a qualitative study

## TL;DR

This study explores why female teachers in Iran avoid breast cancer screening, finding personal and cultural barriers like fear and lack of knowledge.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific individual and sociocultural barriers to breast cancer screening among female teachers in Iran.

## Key findings

- Only 17.1% of teachers regularly perform breast self-examinations and 42.8% have had mammography.
- Barriers include low self-worth, fear, lack of knowledge, and sociocultural issues like shame and limited access.
- Targeted interventions are needed to improve screening participation among Iranian women.

## Abstract

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is critical for effective treatment and improved prognosis. This study investigated the barriers to breast cancer screening among high school teachers in Kerman, Iran.

In 2018, a qualitative design with purposeful sampling was used to recruit 35 high school teachers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions. Content analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 2020, and trustworthiness was ensured through triangulation and member checking.

Participants (mean age: 47 ± 6 years) reported low screening rates, with only 17.1% regularly performing breast self-examinations and 42.8% having undergone mammography. Identified barriers were grouped into individual/familial factors (e.g., low self-worth, procrastination, lack of knowledge, false confidence, emotional distress, fear, and unsupportive partners) and sociocultural factors (e.g., shame and limited access to facilities). These barriers underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance screening participation.

Multiple individual and sociocultural barriers hinder breast cancer screening among Iranian women. Improving awareness, implementing supportive policies, and empowering teachers may promote early detection and prevention efforts.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-23787-w.

The present qualitative study investigated the barriers to breast cancer screening among teachers in Kerman, Iran, to provide necessary context and accuracy. According to the research results, it seems that Iranian women faced many obstacles to breast cancer screening. Therefore, healthcare providers should inform the public about the role of different methods in the timely diagnosis and rapid treatment of breast cancer and encourage them to perform regular screening. The healthcare systems, with the help of the administrative system, should design interventional programs to change public attitudes and beliefs in regular breast cancer screening and support and train teachers, who play an important role in community health in the future.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-23787-w.