Barriers to access cancer screening and treatment services in Germany

ABSTRACT

Einleitung The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in rationing of healthcare resources, including cancer prevention and treatment interventions. However, in many high-income countries, available offers for cancer prevention and treatment remain underutilized, especially among men. Our interdisciplinary research group at Heidelberg University is studying the underlying individual perceptions, attitudes and experiences of age- and gender-specific barriers against cancer-related medical and psychosocial offers available in Germany. Methoden A mixed-methods, sequential explanatory study was designed. Separate online questionnaires were used for cancer patients/survivors to determine barriers for treatment and for non-patients to determine barriers for screening. In the second phase, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 participants from each group via selective sampling to record their individual opinions, experiences and expectations of using cancer-related health services. Five further qualitative interviews are planned with healthcare providers. Ergebnisse Overall 292 participants (29% male, 71% female, mean age 48.2y) completed the questionnaire. 39% respondents were cancer patients. 61% population was living in Baden-Württemberg. 85% were married or living with partners. Further inferential statistical analysis will be used to identify important barriers and facilitators separately for the use of cancer screenings and cancer treatment offers. Final results will be analyzed with behavioral and sociocultural theories to gain a deeper understanding of perceived and experienced barriers in accessing cancer care in Germany and to formulate recommendations for prospective targeted approaches and interventions. The results will be also used to develop an interprofessional teaching module in the medical curriculum. Schlussfolgerung These findings will be useful for facilitating knowledge transfer and policy dissemination to increase public awareness about cancer offers and improve participation rates.