Factors Related to Breast Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women in Asian Countries

Abstract

The incidence of breast cancer in Asian countries is continuously rising, with breast cancer-causing anincrease in mortality among Asian women. The impact of low screening uptake is a matter of concern as inmost cases, cancers have been diagnosed in the advanced stages where medical intervention is not curablebut only intended to improve the quality of care. Therefore, there has been comprehensive advocacy forearly detection and treatment of breast cancer as a strategy to mitigate breast cancer-related morbidityand mortality rates. This paper reviewed existing research on breast cancer screening and the factors thatare associated with breast cancer screening among Asian women. The findings from numerous studiesconducted in Asian countries provides evidence that the number of factors such as socio-demographiccharacteristics, knowledge on breast cancer, including its symptoms and risk factors as well as breastcancer screening modalities, beliefs or perceptions and barriers in terms of structural, psychological,cultural and social factors influences women's adherence to the preventive health promotive behaviour -breast cancer screening. These findings direct to the need for well-planned strategies and intervention thatare culturally sensitive and specifically tailored to the needs of Asian women to successfully promote andadvocate the importance of breast health, early detection of breast cancer and adoption of dynamic routinescreening behaviours.