Motivational Factors for Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors in Iranian Women: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of breast cancer increases the chance of recovery and life expectancy. Screening is the primary tool for early diagnosis and timely treatment of breast cancer in early stages. This qualitative study aimed to explain the motivational factors for breast cancer screening in Iranian women. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis. The 45 women were selected through purposive sampling. Focus group were used for data collection and the data were analyzed using the Lundman and Graneheim thematic content analysis approach. RESULTS: Data analysis identified 9 themes: knowledge acquisition, presence of happy-hopeful spirit, positive attitude and self-worth, maternal role, intellectual and financial independence, religious beliefs, motivational fears, and supportive family. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it seems that health systems need to change the attitudes and beliefs of people to enhance health culture by identifying women’s motivations for breast cancer screening in different groups and increase social knowledge about screening methods by supporting and training.