scholarly journals Breast cancer awareness and downstaging practices among adult women in the Gulu City Main Market, Northern Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Author(s):  
Joyce Ayugi ◽  
George Ndagijimana ◽  
Stanley Luyima ◽  
David Lagoro Kitara

Abstract Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers that occur worldwide among women. There were more disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost to breast cancer among women worldwide than any other cancers, and DALYs occurred in women globally after puberty, with increasing rates later in life. Improvements in breast cancer survival began in the 1980s in countries where early detection programs combined with different modes of treatment to eradicate the invasive form of the disease were practiced. Recent data showed that there was a higher prevalence of breast cancer among women in Northern Uganda than among women in the rest of Uganda.The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with breast cancer awareness, breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and other modalities for screening and early breast cancer detection among adult women in the Gulu main market.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gulu main market in 2020. A total of 98 adult women were recruited for the study by a random sampling method. The questionnaire had an internal validity of Cronbach’s α=0.72. The study was approved by a local IRB. SPSS version 26.0 was used for data analysis, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Most participants were 20-29 years 41(41.8%), married 44(44.9%), monthly incomes of >UGX1 million shillings 51(52.2%), Acholi 81(82.7%), Catholics 46(46.9%), vendors 75(76.5%), duration of work in the market (1-10 years) 64(65.4%), primary level of education 39(39.8%), and had 1-2 pregnancies 37(37.8%). The independent factors associated with breast cancer awareness, breast self-examination, and clinical breast examination were vendor (primary occupation) (β=-0.130, t=-2.979, p<0.004), duration of work in the market (1-10 years) (β=-0.186, t=-2.452, p<0.016), and higher level of education (β=-0.091, t=-2.506, p<0.014).Conclusions: Breast cancer awareness and downstaging practices in adult women in the Gulu main market were thought-provoking. Women with better socioeconomic status (higher education, moderate work duration in the market and primarily vendors) in the Gulu main market were more likely aware and practiced breast cancer downstaging activities. There is a need to strengthen publicity on breast cancer-related knowledge for lower-income occupational groups and those with lower education levels to better understand the importance of conducting BSE, CBE, and mammography for early breast cancer detection.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 440-448
Author(s):  
Aishath Niyaf ◽  
Sairah AK ◽  
Mohammed Abdalqader

Breast cancer (BC), is the most common cancer that affects women, and one of the significant causes of mortality among them. Screening and early detection of the disease are encouraged as a means of reducing mortality and enhancing the prognosis. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) uptake and to identify the factors that are associated with the BSE uptake among Maldivian women in the Male’ region. The cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of 3 months in the Male’ region, of the Maldives. A total of 600 female citizens aged 20-79 years were selected using stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. About 82.70%, 54.80%, and 63.30% of the respondents had heard about BC, breast cancer screening (BCS), and BSE respectively. 50.80% of the respondents had ever performed BSE with only 22.00% performed it regularly. The significant predictors for BSE uptake were: ever heard about BC [OR=2.069, 95% CI(1.081-3.959)], ever heard about BSE [OR=2.342, 95% CI(1.326-4.137)], ever heard about clinical breast examination (CBE) [OR=1.946, 95% CI(1.117-3.390)], knowledge on early detection of BC [OR=1.077, 95% CI(1.011-1.148)], perceptions on the severity of BC [OR=1.062, 95% CI(1.010-1.116)], perceptions on barriers towards BSE [OR=0.900, 95% CI(0.846-0.958)] and self-efficacy [OR=1.112, 95% CI(1.076-1.150)]. The findings indicated that there is a pressing need for continued education and behaviour modification intervention programs using theories and models to increase women’s overall knowledge and awareness of BC and BCS and modify the long-held incorrect beliefs and misconceptions. In particular, the relevant authorities should play a proactive role in raising awareness of BC and promote BCS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117822342110253
Author(s):  
Zia Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Naseem Khan ◽  
Zia Ud Din ◽  
Saima Afaq

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the second overall, following lung cancer. Breast cancer can occur at any age, with an increased incidence in women 40 years and above. Worldwide the incidence is around 1 million cases per year, 60% of the cases reported from low- and middle-income countries. The current study was conducted to determine knowledge, attitude, and practices related to breast cancer, the associated risk factors, and screening methods in women presenting to a health care facility from resource-poor settings in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, and participants were recruited phase-wise from three major outpatient departments (OPDs) (Gynecology and Obstetrics OPD, Medical OPD, and Surgical OPD). Data were collected through the validated “Breast Cancer Awareness Measure” developed by Cancer Research UK, King’s College London, and University College London in 2009. Data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 23.0. Students’s T-Test, ANOVA, and linear regression analysis were conducted. Results: A total of 430 women were invited for participation in the study from the 3 main OPDs, and 400 took part in the study (response rate = 93.02%). The mean age of the women was 33.62 years ± 12.3 years, and the mean years of formal education were 5.05 ± 6.3 years. Less than a quarter of the participants were aware of the breast cancer warning signs, and 23.3% recognized the pain in the armpit or one of the breasts as a sign of breast cancer. The proportion of women aware of age-related and lifetime risk of getting breast cancer was 15.0%. Furthermore, only 2.5% performed breast self-examination at least once a month. Women identified many barriers like embarrassment, transport, and confidentiality issues in seeking medical help. Conclusion: Overall, women had poor knowledge of breast cancer, related warning signs, breast self-examination, risk factors, and screening methods.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-28
Author(s):  
Bekhal Abdalwahid Amin ◽  
Muhammed Babakir-Mina ◽  
Fadhil Ahmed Mohialdeen ◽  
Mohammed I. M. Gubari

Breast cancer is a devastating affliction, the frequency of which is gradually increasing all over the world. Cancer may be cured if properly intervened at the right time. The correct treatment, aided by professionals and the right technology can provide critical life support to breast cancer patients. This study was conducted to assessment knowledge, attitude and practice of breast cancer among Kurdish females visited Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani. A face-to-face interview through a question¬naire to assessment of knowledge and practices toward breast cancer of 500 non-breast cancer women visited Maternity Teaching Hospital was done. Data were computerized and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS, version 22). P-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Out of 500 participants in the current study on knowledge and practices toward breast cancer among non-breast cancer women, consequently were 227 (45.4%) and 201 (40.2%) practiced breast self-examination(BSE) and clinical breast examination respectively. In this study the participants having no symptoms and lack of knowledge about how to do BSE where regarded as the barriers of not practicing BSE (44.7%, 55.3%) respectively. The most common reason for not doing clinical breast examination (CBE) is fear of the outcome and no sign & symptom of breast cancer (28.8%, 61.9%) respectively. The high education level showed significantly more knowledge of breast self-examination and mammography than Illiterate women P≤ 0.001 and P≤ 0.03 respectively. On the other hand, the high education level women showed significantly more practice of breast self-examination P≤ 0.001. In conclusion, the present study found the facts to the inadequate knowledge of female about breast cancer and recognized the negative influence of low knowledge on the practice of BSE, CBE and mammography and the breast cancer incidence. Therefore, more determinations are needed to develop a positive attitude toward BSE, CBE and mammography screening and practice in Sulaimani.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdou Aissami ◽  
Guido Van Hal ◽  
Dille Issimouha

Abstract Background: In Niger, breast cancer is the first cancer related morbidity and mortality within the female population. While Breast cancer awareness can contribute to early diagnosis and disease mortality reduction, Niger women’s knowledge of breast cancer is not well documented. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women related to breast cancer and have a look on the factors associated this knowledge. Methods: The study was conducted thought a cross sectional survey in women population in Zinder and Niamey regions. A random sampling was used to select women in households within health districts. We defined a breast cancer knowledge score and used a generalized linear model to assess factors associated with breast cancer knowledge. Results: A total of 675 women were included in the survey. Average age of women was 39.2 years (38.2-40.2) and 48.4% (44.7-52.2) of them were not educated. Overall women’s knowledge of breast cancer is relatively low, only 41.2% (37.5-45.0) were aware of breast cancer. An area where women demonstrated an awareness was breast cancer symptoms knowledge with 65.0% (61.3-68.7). Insufficient level of knowledge was observed on knowledge of risk and protection factors with only 27.4 % (24.0-31.0) level of awareness and breast cancer good practice with 16.9% (14.2-19.7). Younger age OR=0.98 (0.96-0.99) practicing clinical breast examination OR=2.25 (1.31–3.16), breastfeeding 3.34 (2.12-5.26), not having a history of participation to breast cancer 0.53 (0.34-0.82) and living in rural and peri-urban areas 0.34 (0.20–0.44) were factors related to awareness of breast cancer. Conclusion: Niger women had overall low level of breast cancer awareness. While they were not acquainted with breast self-examination and clinical breast examination, their knowledge of breast cancer symptoms was acceptable. Clinical breast examination, area of residence, age, breastfeeding and history of participation to breast cancer screening were found to be associated with breast cancer knowledge. Awareness programs can promote clinical breast examination as mammography is not common and target older women. Focus should be given to awareness of breast cancer risk factors and promoting early detection procedures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 1577-1584
Author(s):  
Kurnia Wijayanti ◽  
Fitria Endah Janitra ◽  
Indah Sri Wahyuningsih

The rate of new breast cancer cases is globally on the rise. This health condition is the most common cancer type suffered by adult women and adolescents in Indonesia. There is also a widespread concern of an increasing risk in subsequent generations. Therefore, the need to provide extensive awareness and prevention efforts appears very paramount, particularly in a premature stage. Early detection and diagnosis have been proved effective in breast cancer reduction and treatment. The peer group 'GiRLs Can' was formed to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities related to active breast cancer prevention. This initiative also involved peer education in the form of training, demonstration, practice and re-training. The results showed 90% of the ‘GiRLs Can’ members were well-informed on the basic concepts of breast cancer, and demonstrated accurate self-examination processes, meanwhile 89% were able to invite other peers to partake in the self-examination. Furthermore, the service team recommended the formation of similar groups in other locations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 679-689
Author(s):  
Na Liu ◽  
Ping Li ◽  
Jie Wang ◽  
Ping-ping Guo ◽  
Xue-hui Zhang ◽  
...  

Aim: This study aimed to explore the factors that influence breast cancer awareness. Materials & methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2019 in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. Results: A total of 274 women were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Participants had a moderate level of breast cancer awareness (median = 76.50 [68.75, 84.00]). Women in the action/maintenance stages reported higher breast cancer awareness (p = 0.044). Women's breast cancer awareness was positively associated with high health information literacy level, husbands' higher educational degrees, seeing doctors after detecting abnormal breast changes and living within a short distance from the nearest hospital. Conclusion: History of screening and higher health information literacy levels are important positive factors linked to higher breast cancer awareness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327481986377
Author(s):  
Do Thi Thanh Toan ◽  
Dinh Thai Son ◽  
Le Xuan Hung ◽  
Luu Ngoc Minh ◽  
Dinh Le Mai ◽  
...  

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women all over the world, also in Vietnam. In recent years, the incidence of breast cancer has been increasing in Vietnam, and most cases are diagnosed at late stages, making treatment more difficult. More and better early detection could help more women to survive. The aim of this study was to identify the current knowledge, attitude and practice about early detection of breast cancer as well as potential predictors of breast cancer screening among women aged 20 to 49 year in a mountainous commune in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, in a largely ethnic Muong population. Women aged 20 to 49 years were selected by systematic random sampling to participate in a cross sectional study in October 2017. They were interviewed with a closed questionnaire about their knowledge of breast cancer, its risk factors, and warning signs. A checklist for performance of breast self-examination was also applied. Three hundred six women agreed to participate in the study. More than half had a low level of knowledge, and were weak in attitude and practice about breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, breast ultrasound, and mamography. Among women who had practiced at least 1 screening method, 17.0% mentioned clinical breast examination, and only 13.8% reported practicing breast self-examination. Factors associated with practice included knowledge about breast cancer early detection (BCED), ethnicity, income, the BCED information approach, and the BCED screening programs approach. The finding of a very low proportion of women in the mountainous setting with good awareness and practice on early detection of breast cancer is important evidence to inform the BCED intervention program developers about where and how to target which information, especially to reach more ethnic minority women.


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