The Integrated Breast Cancer Educational Program in Indonesia: A Mixed-Methods Study Among Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors in Indonesia
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to develop an integrated breast cancer educational program in Indonesia for the general public, patients, caregivers, health workers, and healthcare policymakers, informed by determinants associated with delayed breast cancer diagnosis in Indonesia.
Methods
A mixed-methods study was conducted in Indonesia (October–December 2021) in three phases: (1) qualitative in-depth interviews with breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers; (2) a cross-sectional survey of breast cancer patients and survivors; and (3) qualitative interviews with experts from nine disciplines. Phase 1–2 identified determinants of delayed diagnosis, and phase 3 informed the development of an integrated educational program.
Results
A total of 25 interview participants and 379 survey respondents were included. Determinants of delayed breast cancer diagnosis in Indonesia were categorized into knowledge, attitudes/behaviours, symptoms experienced, and societal stigma/myths. These findings informed the development of an integrated educational program addressing predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors, with tailored content for the general public, patients, caregivers, health workers, and health educators.
Conclusion
Determinants associated with delayed breast cancer diagnosis in Indonesia included inadequate public knowledge, limited access to and quality of health services, and environmental influences, including societal stigma and myths. Based on these determinants, an integrated educational module was developed to address key barriers to timely diagnosis and to effectively reach the primary target audiences.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Farida Briani Sobri, Adang Bachtiar, Sonar Soni Panigoro, Dumilah Ayuningtyas, Hardya Gustada Hikmahrachim, R Cita Resti Anantia Putri, Anggindita Diah Widihidayati
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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