Trends in epidemiology and management of breast cancer in developing Arab countries: A literature and registry analysis

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Arab countries with a young age of around 50 years at presentation. Locally advanced disease is very common and total mastectomy is the most commonly performed surgery. Awareness campaigns and value of clinical breast examination were validated in the Cairo Breast Cancer Screening Trial. More radiation centers and early detection would optimize care and reduce the currently high rate of total mastectomies. Population-based screening in those countries with affluent resources and accessible care should be implemented.

Factors that Influence Awareness of Breast Cancer Screening among Arab Women in Qatar: Results from a Cross Sectional Survey

“…To our knowledge, no other study has analyzed the effects of husband education levels with female BCS awareness in the Middle East. Given this finding and the important role relatives play in Arab women's lives, a husband's support for BCS might be an effective enabler (Petro-Nustas, 2001;El-Saghir, 2007). Thus, it is imperative to gain the support of Arab males in the promotion of BCS.…”

“…Educational campaigns can improve patient motivation and physician initiative for early detection, and positively influence BCS practice. However, having awareness and knowledge of breast cancer and its screening may not be enough (Sadler et al, 2001;Yavari et al, 2006;El-Saghir, 2007;Hartman et al, 2009;Nasseri, 2009). Perceived risk of cancer and effectiveness of BCS have been found to influence screening behavior (Baron-Epel, 2010;Tavafian et al, 2009).…”

“…Accurate and varied sources of information about breast health and BCS from health care providers (especially physicians), mass media, and social networks can positively influence women's knowledge and practice of BCS (Al-Qattan, et al, 2007;Dandash and Al-Mohaimeed, 2007;Montazeri, et al, 2008;Hoffman et al, 2010). Facilitators of BCS behavior include having support from male relatives, receiving information about breast cancer or BCS from health care professionals (HCP) other than doctors, and having a doctor's recommendation (Haji-Mahmoodi, 2002;Madanat and Merrill, 2002;Cohen and Azaiza, 2005;Azaiza and Cohen, 2006;Shirazi et al, 2006;Dandash and Al-Mohaimeed, 2007;Dow Meneses and Yarbro, 2007;El Saghir et al, 2007;Alkhasawneh et al, 2009;Gürsoy et al, 2009;Jaradeen, 2010;El Hajj and Hamid, 2011).…”

Breast Cancer in Iraq, Incidence Trends from 2000-2009

“…In a report from Arab countries, show that the rising in incidence in Arab countries and the change may be due to a westernized life style including dietary habits, lack of exercise, delay of age of marriage, women have their diagnosis of breast cancer delayed because of lack of awareness, social customs and most important is a low index of suspicion from primary care (Saadat, 2008 (Lakkis et al, 2010), 44.5-47.15% in Jordan (Tarawneh et al 2009, Tarawneh et al 2011), Kuwait 47.5% (Al-Madouj et al, 2011, and less than those observed in UAE 56.7%,, Qatar 59.7%, Saudi 58.8(AlLibya (71%) (Boder et al, 2011), 74% Sudan (Elgaili et al, 2010), Iran 67.5% (Montazeri et al, 2008). An article from developing countries including Arab countries, show that breast cancer among women with a young age of around 50 years at presentation (El Saghir, et al, 2007). Proportion of the younger age at diagnosis with breast cancer in our study approximately similar to other studies in developing countries including Arab countries, this is possibly due to the higher proportion of women less than 50 years old in Iraq and generally in developing countries, The proportion of women less than 50 years old in Iraq has 82% (UN, World Population Prospects: The 2012 Revision) of women aged less than 50 years compared with that of a developed country, for example United Kingdom 56% (United Nation, World Population Prospects: The 2012 Revision ) in the year 2009.…”

Comparison of Incidental Radiation Dose to Axilla and Internal Mammary Nodal Area by Conventional, 3DCRT, and IMRT Technique in Carcinoma of Breast

“…These days standard practice is breast conserving surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for early presentation [1] and mastectomy followed by adjuvant radiotherapy of the chest wall with or without chemotherapy in advanced cases [2]. Many studies [3,4] have shown that adjuvant radiotherapy to the chest wall improves local control and also survival in node positive and advanced node negative breast cancer patients after mastectomy.…”