Breast cancer in Iran: need for greater women awareness of warning signs and effective screening methods

Abstract

BackgroundBreast cancer remains an important public health problem. This study aimed to investigate about female knowledge of breast cancer and self-reported practice of breast self-examination in Iran.MethodsThis was a population-based survey carried out in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire containing 15 questions on demographic status, history of personal and family breast problems, subjective knowledge about breast cancer covering its symptoms, the screening methods and practice of breast self-examination (BSE). A trained female nurse interviewed each respondent. Analysis included descriptive statistics and the Chi-squared test where necessary.ResultsA total of 1402 women were interviewed. The mean age of respondents was 43.4 (SD = 14.4) years; most were married (85%), and without any personal (94%) and family history (90%) of breast problems. It was found that 64% of the respondents were familiar with breast cancer and 61% (n = 851) believed that 'the disease is relatively common among women in Iran'. Most women (44%) perceived a painless mass as a breast cancer symptom. Overall, 61% of the respondents stated that they knew about breast cancer screening programs and most indicated that electronic media (television 34% and radio 14%) were their source of information. Only 17% of women said that 'they were conducting regular breast self-examination'. The main reason for women not doing breast self-examination was due to the fact that they did not know how to do it (64%). The findings indicated that performing breast self-examination is significantly related to: age, marital status, education, knowledge of breast cancer and knowledge about breast cancer screening programs (p < 0.05), but not to personal (P = 0.2) and family (P = 0.7) history of breast problems.ConclusionThis descriptive study provides useful information that could be utilized by both researchers and those involved in public health programmes. The findings indicated that the women awareness of breast cancer warning signs (painless lump, retraction of nipple, and bloody discharge) and effective screening methods i.e. clinical examination, and mammography were very inadequate. Thus, health education programmes to rectify the lack of women awareness is urgently needed. Indeed the focus of primary health care providers should be to raise awareness about breast care among women and to encourage them to report any unusual changes in their breasts to their family or care physicians.

Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination Practice among Iranian Women in Hamedan, Iran

“…Another two studies reported targeting socio-demographic variables were not effective for BSE practice (Parsa et al, 2008;Akhtari-Zavre et al, 2013). In contrast, other studies (Montazeri et al, 2008;Harirchi et al, 2012) reported that literacy was significantly correlated with a greater degree of knowledge about breast cancer, and literate women were significantly more likely to perform breast self examination.…”

“…However, several studies conducted in Iran demonstrated that usually women do not perform BSE (Ahmadian et al, 2012;Parsa et al, 2008). In a study by Noroozi et al (2011) 41.9% had performed BSE in the past and 7.6% of them performed it regularly and Montazeri et al (2008) study found that 63.0% of the women never performed a BSE in their lifetime. In the present study, majority of participants (97%) reported that they had hear about breast cancer but only 26% of them performed BSE.…”

Breast Cancer Awareness at the Community Level among Women in Delhi, India

“…Study done in educational institute of Lahore, Pakistan also reported television (14%) and hearsay (17%) as most common sources of information (Khokher, 2011). Similar evidence exists about electronic media and television being the most important sources of information on BC (Montazeri et al, 2010;Ravichandran et al, 2010;Yoo et al, 2012) followed by relatives and friends for less educated women (Hatefnia et al, 2010).…”

Increased Trend of Breast Cancer Mortality in Iran

“…So, specific screening measures should be implemented for Iranian women and special programs should be considered for younger women (Mousavi et al, 2006;Harirchi et al, 2011). On the other hand Iranian studies indicated that the women's awareness of BC warning signs and effective screening were very inadequate (Yavari and Pourhoseingholi., 2007;Montazeri et al, 2008). Thus, health education program to rectify the lack of women awareness is urgently needed.…”