Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore husbands' views on breast cancer screening, risk-based screening and their role in influencing their wives' health-seeking behaviours. DESIGN: Qualitative focus group discussion (FGD) supplemented by quantitative data from a cohort study using a structured questionnaire. SETTING: This study was conducted in a community-based setting, with participants recruited online through non-profit organisations via social media and email. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen husbands of women without breast cancer history participated. The questionnaire data were completed by 3395 women with no breast cancer history. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: Six key themes emerged from FGDs regarding husbands' attitudes towards women's breast cancer screening practices: awareness, priorities, social support structures, fears, incentives and attitudes towards risk-based screening. These themes were supported by the questionnaire data, which also identified additional concerns not raised in FGDs, suggesting a gap in the husband's awareness and limited health-related communication between spouses. While husbands expressed interest in their wives' health and provided support in making screening appointments, their influence may be limited by these communication gaps. Most husbands were receptive to risk-based screening but raised concerns around the testing frequency and result interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need to actively engage husbands in breast cancer screening discussions and develop support strategies that enhance their involvement. Strengthening spousal communication on breast health may increase screening uptake among women.