Abstract B16: The influence of cultural beliefs on breast cancer risk factor knowledge of women in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Background and Significance: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Ghana, West Africa. Previous studies of breast cancer among women in Ghana indicate that 70 – 80% of women who seek treatment for breast problems are diagnosed with Stage III and IV breast cancer tumors. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) the knowledge of general cancer risk factors, and 2) the knowledge of general cancer signs and symptoms among women in Kumasi, Ghana; and 3) to identify cultural factors that influence their beliefs about breast cancer risk factors. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a questionnaire with 53 qualitative and quantitative items. Female residents (n=220) of Kumasi, Ghana where selected to participate in the study. A purposive sampling plan was designed to ensure that women with breast or cervical cancer (n = 49) where included in the study. Interviews where conducted in public areas, the Peace and Love Hospital, and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Comparative and descriptive statistics were used analyze the data. Results: Findings indicated that the respondents' cancer risk factor knowledge was relatively low (mean score 2.91; range 0 – 5) and the difference in the cancer risk factor knowledge scores of women with various levels of education was not statistically significantly different. The overall knowledge of cancer signs and symptoms was also low (mean score 2.19; range 0 –6). In addition, cultural beliefs had an influence on women's beliefs about the risk factors for breast cancer e.g. 10.9% of respondents indicated that money in the bra causes breast cancer. Conclusions: There is a wide-spread lack of accurate knowledge of general cancer risk factors and cancer signs and symptoms. There is a need for a mass breast cancer education intervention. Inaccurate cultural beliefs must be addressed to correct misconceptions about the causes of breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B16.