Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objectives
To understand, describe and analyse the experiences of women with breast cancer in Vietnam when accessing and using breast cancer services.Design
Descriptive qualitative study. Women were interviewed about their experiences from the first time they became aware of symptoms or changes to their body through treatment and post-treatment. This study is the first descriptive study on breast cancer in Vietnam from the perspective of women with a breast cancer diagnosis.Participants
Women (n=13) who had completed or were still receiving treatment for breast cancer, purposively recruited from the north and south of Vietnam.Results
An analysis of the experiences of women with breast cancer in Vietnam revealed a lack of awareness and knowledge about breast cancer and symptoms. Family and social support were described as key factors influencing whether a woman accesses and uses breast cancer services. Cost of treatment and out-of-pocket expenditures limited access to services and resulted in significant financial challenges for women and their families.Conclusions
Vietnam has made huge strides in improving cancer care, and is tackling a complex and expanding public health challenge, however, there are a number of areas requiring strengthening and future research. While Vietnam has successfully expanded social health insurance coverage, changes that increase the percentage of costs covered for specific treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, could benefit women and their families.
SUBMITTER: Jenkins C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7202702 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Jenkins Chris C Ngan Tran Thu TT Ngoc Nguyen Bao NB Hien Ho Thi HT Anh Nguyen Hoang NH Lohfeld Lynne L Donnelly Michael M Van Minh Hoang H Murray Liam L
BMJ open 20200324 3
<h4>Objectives</h4>To understand, describe and analyse the experiences of women with breast cancer in Vietnam when accessing and using breast cancer services.<h4>Design</h4>Descriptive qualitative study. Women were interviewed about their experiences from the first time they became aware of symptoms or changes to their body through treatment and post-treatment. This study is the first descriptive study on breast cancer in Vietnam from the perspective of women with a breast cancer diagnosis.<h4>P ...[more]