Diagnostic experiences of patients with cervical cancer: A qualitative study in Accra Metropolis, Ghana

Purpose: The majority of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed at the advanced stage in low-income countries. However, there is limited information on the diagnostic experiences of patients with cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the diagnostic experiences of patients who received cervical cancer diagnoses in Accra, Ghana. Method: An exploratory qualitative research design was used in this study. Using a purposive sampling technique, a semi-structured interview guide was used to interview 12 participants to gain insight into their diagnostic experiences with cervical cancer. The data collected were analysed using content analysis, in which major themes and subthemes were generated. These findings were supported with verbatim quotes from the participants. Results: Two major themes emerged with their corresponding sub-themes. 1. The patients experienced delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer. The patients attributed the delays to the missed diagnosis of the cancer in the hospital. 2. The main screening test reported was the Pap smear. Most of the patients stated they experienced pain, perceived violation of privacy during examination, and loss of blood during the Pap smear. Conclusion: It takes patients with symptoms of cervical cancer several visits to different hospitals to get a diagnosis of cervical cancer in Ghana. Initiation of traditional remedies and the perceived healthcare providers’ inability to recommend cervical cancer diagnostic tests accounted for the delayed diagnosis of the disease. These findings have implications for cervical cancer education, training of healthcare providers on cervical cancer diagnosis, and the development of cervical cancer assessment tools to improve cervical cancer management.