Table 3.
Participants’ (n = 22) perceptions of barriers that women face when trying to get screening or treatment for cervical cancer in Lima, Peru (Apr – Oct 2019).
| Barrier | Screening N | Treatment N |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of knowledge of HPV and/or cervical cancer | 20 | 7 |
| Fear of immodesty or embarrassment | 16 | 8 |
| Fear of discomfort | 15 | 9 |
| Financial barriers | 14 | 20 |
| Work/childcare barriers | 12 | 15 |
| Not enough time | 10 | 5 |
| Partner not supportive | 9 | 4 |
| Do not think that screening/treatment is needed | 7 | 3 |
| Distrust of the medical system | 5 | 3 |
| Distance to screening/treatment site | 4 | 6 |
| Lack of transportation | 2 | 1 |
| Family not supportive | 1 | 5 |
| Lack of confidence/belief in their HPV result | 1 | 1 |
| Other | 4a | 3b |
a
Other reported barriers to screening include machismo, fear of cancer, fear of stereotypes/stigma, and fear of positive result.
b
Other reported barriers to treatment include fear of being stigmatized, fear of cancer, and lack of gynecologists/oncologists.