Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening and Follow‐up Care among Black Women in Massachusetts

Abstract

To explore factors that might lead to delays in appropriate cervical cancer screening and diagnosis among Black women in Massachusetts. Qualitative using focus groups. Hospitals, health centers, and community-based organizations in Boston, Massachusetts. Sixty-four participants including Black, non-Hispanic women from the general population and cervical cancer survivors, community leaders in women's health, and health care providers. Six focus groups. Data were analyzed using methods based on grounded theory. Findings from interviews revealed that inadequate information and education of providers and patients create barriers to appropriate screening and treatment practices for Black women. Fear, cultural beliefs, and compounding factors related to poverty, gender roles, and health system barriers create delays to screening and follow-up care. Also, unconscious bias, therapeutic delays, and miscommunication are important factors affecting continuity of care. These results suggest a need for comprehensive, culturally specific cervical cancer prevention education initiatives and interventions for Black women and strategies to improve patient-provider relationships.