High breast cancer-related mortality in Armenia: Examining the breast cancer knowledge gap

Abstract

report, breast cancer accounts for 31.0% of cancers and 20.3% of cancer-related deaths among women in Armenia. Its age standardized mortality rate of 24.3 per 100,000 is currently the seventh highest globally 1 . Given the improved prognoses and treatment options from early detection, understanding barriers to care within Armenia is critical to addressing this growing clinical and public health issue. This study was conducted to access knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, and early diagnosis among women in Armenia to examine possible gaps in knowledge contributing to the high breast cancer mortality rate in Armenia. Responses to the yes/no/I don’t know questions regarding breast cancer knowledge were scored based on available evidence in medical literature. “I don’t know” responses were scored as incorrect for the purposes of this study. A breakdown of average scores and their corresponding standard deviations are presented in Figure 3. With an average score of 58.5%, knowledge concerning breast cancer risk factors showed significant difference with a higher education level (p -value <0.0001). Age showed some difference, with the 30-49 and 50-64 year old demographics having the highest knowledge level (p-value 0.0336). Those employed in professional capacities tended to have higher risk factor knowledge (p-value 0.0028). Results by question are shown in Figure 4.