Migrant and Refugee Women’s Relationships with Breast Cancer Screening Technology in Türkiye: A Qualitative Study of Opportunities and Challenges

Background Cancer screening disparities are well documented among refugee and migrant populations in many parts of the world. Despite widely available health services including cancer screening programs, factors such as language, culture, gender, and health literacy continue to affect access to services for many migrant and refugee women in Türkiye. The purpose of this study was to examine how perceptions of technology and related factors were associated with breast cancer screening participation among migrant and refugee women in Türkiye. Methods This was a qualitative study based on 34 semi-structured interviews with women that had migrated to or sought refuge in Türkiye. Transcripts were systematically coded and analyzed with special attention to relationships and perceptions of breast cancer screening technology. Results The findings indicated that technology in breast cancer screenings played a significant role in generating both confidence and mistrust among migrant and refugee women. Perceptions regarding technology were complex, often ambivalent and not necessarily predicted by nationality, education or legal status on an interpersonal level. Conclusions By foregrounding technology, which has often played a latent role in existing literature on cancer screening disparities, we deepen our understanding of screening thresholds and recommend informed, tailored health education and communication drawing on community engagement.