Abstract
Background. In Iran, the low rate of breast cancer (BC) screening and late diagnosis are among the main reasons for the increase in BC mortality. Various factors can affect the low rate of BC screening. Accordingly, the present study aimed to identify barriers to mammography adoption among Iranian women.
Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional research was part of a scale development study that was conducted on women between the ages of 40 and 69. The sample size was 500 people. The data were collected using the Perceived Barriers of Mammography Scale (PBMS-23), and SPSS 16 software was used for data analysis.
Results. Based on the results, more than half of the participants expressed belief in fate and destiny (76.9%), the high cost of mammography (63.5%), avoiding thoughts about BC (50.7%), and belief in being healthy and not having breast disease or problems (48.3%) as barriers to mammography.
Conclusion. The barriers to performing mammography among Iranian women are rooted in cultural and religious beliefs, a lack of awareness and information, and a lack of support for mammography screening, such as high screening costs.
Practical Implications. Cultural and religious beliefs, as well as the high cost of mammography, were found to be the most significant barriers to mammography. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary measures to address these barriers and make mammography more accessible to women.