Breast Cancer Screening Barriers: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Women Toward Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer appears to be a major global health problem of both the developing and developed countries. Global statistics show that the annual incidence of breast cancer is increasing and it has been reported that each year over 1.5 million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer (1). Sadler et al. (2) reported that early detection offers the greatest chance of long-term survival. Early detection of breast cancer can be achieved by performing breast self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. A recent study (3) conducted in the State of Qatar reported that the incidence rate of breast cancer was high (30.1 ⁄ 100,000). The increasing trend of incidence rate of breast cancer (4) shows the lack of knowledge about breast cancer and the screening methods among women in Qatar. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice about breast cancer, and its screening procedures among Qatari women.The cross-sectional study was based on the Primary Health Care Centers and the outpatient clinics of the Women's hospital among Qatari women from December 2008 to April 2009. Of the sample size of 1200, 1002 Qatari women of age group 30-55 years agreed to participate in the study (83.5%). A questionnaire was designed and qualified nurses were instructed to structurally interview and complete a questionnaire for randomly selected Qatari women. Student t-test, nonparametric Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test (two-tailed) were performed for statistical analysis.Majority of the Qatari women agreed that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (70.3%). It was worthy to observe that most of the women with higher education correctly identified that BSE is good in finding lumps (64.9%), and unattended lumps will turn into cancer (72.1%), mammography can show a lump before doing BSE or CBE (68.1%), and women should go for mammogram at certain intervals (57.1%). Despite having a sufficient level of knowledge about breast cancer, our results confirm low breast cancer screening in Qatari women; BSE (24.9%), CBE (23.3%), and mammography (22.5%). Seventy-two percent of Qatari women thought that BSE is easy to learn and 63.1% agreed to have CBE by a doctor, but most of them were afraid (63.5%) of having mammography tests. In our study sample, fear and worries were the general potential barriers toward breast cancer screening (46.5%). Embarrassment of CBE (53.3%) and fear of mammography results (54.9%) were the frequently reported barriers. Positive family history, level of education, living in an urban area, and medical check up when healthy, were significant common predictors for CBE and mammography. In conclusion, our study revealed that although Qatari women had adequate general knowledge about breast cancer, the screening rates of BSE, CBE, and mammography were low in women for early detection of cancer. Education appeared to be the major determinant of level of knowledge and for practicing screening procedures (5,6,7).

Screening for breast cancer among young Jordanian women: ambiguity and apprehension

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“…For example, several studies have described that the need to expose private body parts during BCE and mammogram in front of somebody other than the husband is perceived to be culturally unacceptable for Muslim women (Alkhasawneh ; Bener et al. ). Muslim women are dissuaded by Islamic law from being alone with a man who is not related by birth or marriage (Lewis ).…”

Breast Cancer Screening Practice: Early Detection Saves Lives

“…Demographical factor such as race, age, marital status, level of education, employment status and income, access to health care, health insurance or primary care physician and engagement in healthy life style [1] influences the breast cancer screening rate however, demographic variable [2] have been found to predict breast cancer screening rate. Mammography [3] is the only screening test that aid in early detection of the breast cancer meanwhile, early detection of breast cancer can be achieved by performing breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography [4].Culture believe and attitude [5] play a central role in inhibiting or promoting breast cancer screening while cognitive , social or cultural barriers [6] influence cancer screening and treatment particularly among minority and lower income population…”

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Gail Model among Chinese Women

“…Breast cancer is a major public health issue and the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women worldwide [1][2][3]. In China, breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of death from all cancers among women.…”