Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices amongst Women in Qatar

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examines knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding breast cancer awareness and screening among women residents in Qatar. Females, >18 years old, registered with the Primary Health Care Corporation were invited to complete an Arabic or English online survey using a modified version of the Breast Cancer Awareness Module. Of the 9008 participants, 69% report awareness of breast cancer warning signs, but the results did not substantiate these claims. There remains a disconnect between participants’ perceived awareness of their ability to detect breast cancer and their actual recognition of individual signs and symptoms. Nearly half (45.4%) report rarely or never checking their breasts for abnormalities (44.6%). Breast self-examination (BSE) and Breast Cancer Screening (BCS) uptake is low and many are unaware of the starting age for invitation to Qatar’s BCS program. While only 18% of women report receiving an invitation, 94% attended, indicating that the BCS invitation is a remarkably effective means of improving screening uptake. Policymakers should capitalize on early recognition, which is possible in the youthful population. Broadening awareness campaigns and interventions targeting a broader audience including males, community and religious leaders and healthcare professionals may prove more effective in Arab communities.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward ultrasound screening for breast cancer among women

“…Several countries have screening programs for breast cancer, with letters sent to women reaching a certain age inviting them to participate, followed by letters at regular intervals to remind them to participate (16,19). The KAP toward breast cancer screening varies widely among countries with different characteristics, customs, and healthcare systems (22)(23)(24)(25). A study in Saudi Arabia showed that most women had poor knowledge of breast cancer screening and screening methods, and social media was their main source of information (22).…”

“…Saudi Arabia offers a free breast cancer screening program to all women above age 40 (31), and access to breast cancer screening should not be an impediment to knowledge acquisition. In Jordan, most women had adequate participation in breast cancer screening (25), despite the fact that Qatar has a program inviting women ages 45-69 to undergo breast cancer screening every 3 years (32). Healthcare professionals are first-line sources of reliable health-related knowledge for many individuals (33,34), highlighting the need for proper training and knowledge.…”

“…No data on the KAP toward breast cancer ultrasound screening in continental China are available. Still, previous studies reported highly variable KAP toward breast cancer screening in different countries (22)(23)(24)(25). Breast screening services and programs vary widely among countries with different characteristics, socioeconomic characteristics, customs, patient education, and healthcare systems, and the results of KAP studies cannot be extrapolated to other countries or sometimes regions.…”