As the incidence rate of breast cancer increases, it becomes more important to make Korean women participate in breast cancer screening tests (BCST) for the early detection that may save their lives. Yet, Korean women have been reported to be hesitant to participate in BCST.
The purpose of the study was to explore Korean women's attitudes toward breast cancer screening tests from a feminist perspective. Twenty Korean women working in Dong-Dae-Moon Market in Seoul, South Korea were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guideline that was developed for the study. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The themes emerged from the analysis process included: "importance of breaststo women", "fearful, but not related to me", "bad previous experience", and "no need for abreastexam."
Based on the findings, implications for
nursing practice are proposed. Nurses should raise consciousness about the impact of patriarchal culture on women's health/illness. The results may also empower Korean women to be motivated to actively participate in BCST.