Perceived Difficulties in Continued Access to Specialized Breast Cancer Medical Institutions Among Women Living on Remote Islands: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Objective: To clarify the difficulties breast cancer patients living on remote islands perceived when visiting specialized breast cancer medical institutions outside the island for treatment and subsequent follow-up care.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 breast cancer patients living on remote islands, and qualitative descriptive analysis was conducted.

Results: Breast cancer patients living on remote islands held physical, mental, and financial difficulties associated with the procedures and arrangements required to travel outside the island to visit specialized breast cancer medical institutions outside the island. In addition, difficulty in obtaining support from family and medical professionals during treatment was also identified as a difficulty. Breast cancer requires long-term treatment and follow-up, and difficulties were identified in traveling outside the island for long periods of time.

Conclusion: Breast cancer patients living on remote islands felt difficulties unique to remote islands when accessing specialized cancer medical institutions outside the island. In the future, continuous support system will be established, for breast cancer patients living on remote islands to visit institutions outside the island, and strive to reduce these difficulties.