Knowledge, Attitude, Risk Factors & Screening Practices Regarding Breast Cancer among Women in Islamabad

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer of breast tissue is a commonly recognized cancer among females and is the fifthmain reason of cancer associated deaths in the world. It is important and beneficial for the females at risk to understand breast cancer as this may assist in timely detection and management of this deadly disease. Objectives: To assess understanding about breast cancer, knowledge and attitude, risk factors and screening practices among female in Islamabad. Methodology: The study is across-sectional survey which was conducted from October 2020 till March 2021. A self-administered questionnaire, using Google forms, was distributed among women residing in Islamabad, consisting of questions regarding knowledge about breast cancer symptoms, risk factors and screening methods. A total of 320 participants completed and submitted the questionnaire. Results: The participants of the present study were familiar with the term “breast cancer”; however, their attitude towards breast cancer prevention was recorded as unsatisfactory because they lacked knowledge about the screening practices of breast cancer. Conclusion: Women residing in Islamabad seem to have limited understanding about breast cancer, its symptoms and associated risk factors which is somewhat similar to other developing countries. Very few women in the study population practice “BSE” and have undergone “CBE” and “mammography”. They also have limited information about other screening practices of breast cancer. Keywords: “Breast cancer”, “Breast Self-Examination”, “Clinical Breast Examination”, “Mammography”, Screening

Multi-level barriers to early detection of breast cancer among rural midlife women in Tanzania: A qualitative case study

“…Absence of consistent breast cancer awareness [ 16 ] and early detection methods in the region [ 2 ], suggest that women themselves should be proactive to seek care from the primary health facilities and then follow the referral system, if so recommended, to the better equipped Zonal and National Hospitals. The earlier one starts the journey the better.…”