Assessing Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening Among BIPOC Populations in the Twin Cities

To identify barriers to breast cancer screening in BIPOC/immigrant populations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and to hear women’s voices in these communities regarding interventions that may improve participation in breast cancer screening.

The study had two components: surveys and focus group discussions. Participants were women by birth, over 30 years of age, and from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities living or working in Minnesota.

Forty-one participants from BIPOC communities participated. Common themes of barriers to breast cancer screening across all communities were: psychosocial, finances, lack of knowledge, healthcare system, community and culture, and logistics.

Addressing barriers to breast cancer screening in Twin Cities BIPOC populations requires a multipronged approach that addresses knowledge gaps, psychosocial barriers, and logistical and financial barriers, delivered in a culturally acceptable format and in convenient locations.