Accessing specialist healthcare: experiences of women diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer in Ghana

Abstract

Background/Aims Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in women in Ghana, and is often only diagnosed at the advanced stage. This study explored the experiences of women diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer as they access specialist healthcare in Ghana. Methods The study was conducted at a radiotherapy centre in a teaching hospital in Ghana. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 women aged between 33 and 67 years with advanced cervical cancer. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted to gather information from participants regarding their experiences of services. Interviews were audio recorded with participants' consent. Data were analysed using content analysis. Results Content analysis revealed three themes: diagnostic process, information concerns and healthcare staff's attitudes. The following subthemes were also identified: delays, misdiagnosis, information gaps, perceived lack of knowledge from healthcare staff, positive attitudes from healthcare staff and breaking bad news. Conclusions The findings highlight the need to educate healthcare professionals about the symptoms of cervical cancer to allow early and accurate diagnosis. Training is also needed to equip healthcare staff with the therapeutic communication skills and strategies required for communicating bad news to patients.