Knowledge and awareness of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening barriers among women in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study.

Women with a family history of breast cancer have an increased lifetime risk of the disease. Delay in symptom presentation can lead to poorer outcomes. Low awareness of breast cancer symptoms and help-seeking barriers have been associated with delay in presentation in the general population. Symptom awareness and help-seeking barriers among women at increased risk of breast cancer are unknown. We conducted analysis of survey data which included women with moderate and high risk of breast cancer from 20 secondary and tertiary care clinics in England (n = 408). Women completed a validated survey assessing breast cancer symptom awareness, barriers to help-seeking and anticipated delay in help-seeking. Women recognised an average of 9.1/11 breast cancer symptoms (SD = 2.1). Nipple rash was the least recognised symptom (51.0%). Women educated to at least degree level had higher awareness than those with lower education (β = 0.14, 95% CI 0.13, 0.99, p = 0.011). Women at lower socioeconomic status (SES) had lower awareness than those at higher SES (β = -0.13, 95% CI −1.09, −0.07, p = 0.027). Women reported several anticipated help-seeking barriers (mean = 4.0/11, SD = 2.8). Waiting to see if a symptom will pass was the most commonly reported barrier to help-seeking (71.5%). Most women (376/408; 92.2%) reported that they would seek medical help within 2 weeks of discovering a breast cancer symptom. Interventions to increase awareness of non-lump breast cancer symptoms and reduce help-seeking barriers are needed, with considerations of appropriate reading levels and modalities for women with lower education and SES.

Breast and cervical cancer are leading causes of cancer burden in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We measured breast and cervical cancer symptom and risk factor awareness and lay beliefs in Uganda and South Africa (SA). Between August and December 2018 we conducted a cross-sectional survey of women ≥18 years in one urban and one rural site per country. Households were selected using systematic random sampling, then one woman per household randomly selected to participate. Data were collected by interviewers using electronic tablets customised with the locally validated African Women Awareness of Cancer (AWACAN) tool. This has unprompted questions (testing recall) followed by prompted questions (testing recognition) on risk factor, symptom awareness and lay beliefs for breast and cervical cancer. Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the association between socio-demographic variables and outcomes. Poisson regression with robust variance was conducted to identify independent socio-demographic predictors. Of the 1758 women interviewed, 90.8% had heard of breast and 89.4% of cervical cancer. 8.7% recalled at least one breast risk factor and 38.1% recalled at least one cervical cancer risk factor. 78.0% and 57.7% recalled at least one breast/cervical cancer symptom respectively. Recognition of risk factors and symptoms was higher than recall. Many women were unaware that HPV, HIV, and not being screened were cervical cancer risk factors (23.7%, 46.8%, 26.5% respectively). In SA, urban compared to rural women had significantly higher symptom and risk factor awareness for both cancers. In Uganda married women/living with a partner had higher awareness of breast cancer risk factors and cervical cancer symptoms compared to women not living with a partner. Women mentioned several lay beliefs (e.g. putting money in their bra as a breast cancer risk factor). We identified gaps in breast and cervical cancer symptom and risk factor awareness. Our results provide direction for locally targeted cancer awareness intervention programs and serve as a baseline measure against which to evaluate interventions in SSA.

BackgroundBreast and cervical cancer are leading causes of cancer burden in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We measured breast and cervical cancer symptom and risk factor awareness and lay beliefs in Uganda and South Africa (SA).MethodsBetween August and December 2018 we conducted a cross-sectional survey of women ≥18 years in one urban and one rural site per country. Households were selected using systematic random sampling, then one woman per household randomly selected to participate. Data were collected by interviewers using electronic tablets customised with the locally validated African Women Awareness of Cancer (AWACAN) tool. This has unprompted questions (testing recall) followed by prompted questions (testing recognition) on risk factor, symptom awareness and lay beliefs for breast and cervical cancer. Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the association between socio-demographic variables and outcomes. Poisson regression with robust variance was conducted to identify independent socio-demographic predictors.ResultsOf the 1758 women interviewed, 90.8% had heard of breast and 89.4% of cervical cancer. 8.7% recalled at least one breast risk factor and 38.1% recalled at least one cervical cancer risk factor. 78.0% and 57.7% recalled at least one breast/cervical cancer symptom respectively. Recognition of risk factors and symptoms was higher than recall. Many women were unaware that HPV, HIV, and not being screened were cervical cancer risk factors (23.7%, 46.8%, 26.5% respectively). In SA, urban compared to rural women had significantly higher symptom and risk factor awareness for both cancers. In Uganda married women/living with a partner had higher awareness of breast cancer risk factors and cervical cancer symptoms compared to women not living with a partner. Women mentioned several lay beliefs (e.g. putting money in their bra as a breast cancer risk factor).ConclusionWe identified gaps in breast and cervical cancer symptom and risk factor awareness. Our results provide direction for locally targeted cancer awareness intervention programs and serve as a baseline measure against which to evaluate interventions in SSA.

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Early detection through awareness and screening can help lower death rates significantly. However, in many areas, especially rural ones, awareness and knowledge about breast cancer are still low, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Objectives This study aimed to assess the knowledge of breast cancer and its screening methods among adult women attending the OPD of a tertiary care hospital and to identify factors influencing this knowledge. Materials and Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adult women visiting the OPD of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected on socio-demographic details, awareness of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening methods using a semi-structured questionnaire administered by an interviewer. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis to find associations between different variables. Results The average age of the participants was 42.3 years. Around 68.3% of women had heard of breast cancer, but only 55.7% were aware of screening methods. Better awareness was significantly linked to having a family history of breast cancer and higher education levels. Despite this, only 17.8% of women had undergone any screening, and 96.7% had poor overall knowledge of breast cancer based on composite scoring. Conclusion The study reveals a large gap between awareness and knowledge regarding breast cancer and its screening methods. There is a need for focused efforts, especially for women with lower education and those from rural areas, to improve early detection and outcomes.

Breast cancer continues to be a major global health crisis, particularly impacting low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria. This research investigated breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and preventative practices among students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. A survey of 548 undergraduates and postgraduates revealed widespread awareness of the disease (99.3%), primarily attributed to social media (56.9%). Despite this high awareness, significant knowledge deficits persisted regarding risk factors, symptoms, and early detection techniques. Although most participants (90.5%) knew about breast self-examination (BSE), only two-thirds (67.2%) had performed it, and clinical breast examination (CBE) rates were alarmingly low (17.5%). Financial limitations (56.2%) and restricted access to healthcare facilities (44.5%) were identified as key obstacles to screening. These findings underscore the urgent need for focused educational programs, improved access to screening services, and robust public health campaigns to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, ultimately promoting earlier detection and improved outcomes.

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide, with higher mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Venezuela, late-stage diagnosis remains common due to limited awareness, delayed health-seeking behaviors, and restricted access to early detection. This study aimed to assess Venezuelan women's knowledge of BC signs, symptoms, risk factors, and early detection methods, and explore associations between sociodemographic factors and knowledge levels. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 197 women attending outpatient services at Caracas University Hospital between April and August 2023. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed knowledge across three domains: signs and symptoms, risk factors, and early detection methods. Correct responses were scored and categorized as high or low based on predefined thresholds. Awareness of BC symptoms was high, with 89.3% of participants recognizing breast lumps as a warning sign. However, only 9% demonstrated a high level of knowledge about risk factors, with obesity (54.8%) being the most commonly identified. Higher education levels were significantly associated with better knowledge of risk factors (p 0.04), and attendance at a breast clinic was correlated with higher knowledge of early detection. (p 0.04). Although awareness of BC symptoms and positive attitudes toward early detection were common, significant gaps remain in knowledge about risk factors and screening practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions that extend beyond raising awareness to promote health literacy and empower women with practical, actionable information.

BackgroundBreast cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide. Pakistan has a high incidence rate of one in every nine women. The lack of awareness is the major reason for delayed diagnosis, thus resulting in high mortality. This study aimed to assess the impact of pharmacist-led breast cancer education at community pharmacies on promoting breast cancer awareness.MethodologyA longitudinal pre-post intervention study was conducted on 319 participants using a self-designed questionnaire. During the pre-intervention phase, data were collected from participants at various community pharmacies employing questionnaire administration. The provision of a breast cancer educational session followed the session. After three months, the participants were contacted via telephone, and the questionnaires were filled in again during the post-intervention phase. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.ResultsThe pre-post phase data evaluation reported improved breast cancer awareness among the study participants, with a significant increase (p = 0.000) in awareness of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic techniques. There was a statistical increase in breast self-examination practice during the post-intervention phase (2.5% to 93.8%). Knowledge about clinical breast examination improved from 8.5% (pre-intervention phase) to 84.4% (post-intervention phase). Additionally, understanding mammography as a vital screening technique improved significantly, with approximately 34.7% of eligible women having undergone mammography in the post-intervention phase.ConclusionA notable improvement in breast cancer awareness and self-examination was observed through pharmacist-led education. Leveraging pharmacist-led services in community pharmacies could effectively contribute to breast cancer control efforts. Utilizing pharmacists nationwide could facilitate the implementation of comprehensive strategies to elevate public breast cancer awareness nationally.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-025-04035-0.

BackgroundEarly diagnosis is crucial to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer (BC). Awareness of BC symptoms plays a key role in this. This study aimed to evaluate the Palestinian women’s awareness of BC symptoms and determine factors associated with good awareness.MethodsThis was a national cross-sectional study conducted from July 2019 to March 2020 in Palestine. Convenience sampling was used to recruit adult women from hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces located in 11 governorates. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated BC awareness measure was utilized for data collection. The awareness level was categorized based on the number of symptoms recognized into: poor (0 to 4), fair (5 to 9), and good (10 to 13).ResultsOf 6269 approached, 5434 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate = 86.7%). A total of 5257 questionnaires were included in the analysis: 2551 from the Gaza Strip and 2706 from the West Bank and Jerusalem (WBJ). Participants living in the WBJ were more likely to be older, have higher monthly income, and suffer from more chronic diseases than participants living in the Gaza Strip.The most frequently identified BC symptom was ‘lump or thickening in the breast’ (n = 4887, 92.9%) followed by ‘lump or thickening under the armpit’ (n = 4394, 83.6%). The least frequently identified symptoms were ‘pulling in of the nipple’ (n = 2665, 50.7%) and ‘change in the position of the nipple’ (n = 2710, 51.6%).A total of 2191 participants (41.7%) demonstrated good awareness of BC symptoms. Participants from the Gaza Strip were more likely than participants from the WBJ to have good awareness (47.0.0% vs. 36.7%). On the multivariable analysis, being ≥ 40 years, completing a post-secondary education, knowing someone with cancer, and visiting hospitals and primary healthcare centers were all associated with an increase in the likelihood of having good awareness. However, living in the WBJ was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of having good awareness.ConclusionLess than half of women included in this study showed good awareness of BC symptoms. More targeted educational interventions are needed to promote Palestinian women’s awareness of BC symptoms to facilitate early diagnosis.

Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor's degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms.

Background: Breast cancer represents a considerable health burden and is a leading cause of mortality among women. Despite the availability of screening methods, many women remain unaware of their importance, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Increased awareness of breast cancer symptoms and screening modalities may improve early detection and ultimately reduce breast cancer mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness, practices, and attitudes regarding breast cancer and its screening methods in the general population, males and females, in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to collect data on personal information, medical and family history of breast cancer, participation in breast cancer awareness programs, knowledge of breast cancer and screening methods, and attitudes and practices related to breast cancer and breast self-examination. The questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms. Results: A total of 714 individuals completed the study questionnaire. The age range of the participants was 18 to 70 years, with a mean age of 29.9 ± 11.5 years. Among the participants, 60.1% were female. The most commonly reported risk factors for breast cancer were female sex (38.8%), smoking (35.8%), obesity (25.6%), consumption of fat-rich foods (23.9%), and alcohol intake (23.6%). The most widely recognized warning signs of breast cancer among participants were the presence of a hard, painless lump or nodule in the breast or armpit (79.7%), breast swelling (62%), and discharge from the breast (59.5%). Among female study participants in Saudi Arabia, 36.4% reported practicing breast self-examination (BSE). Conclusions: In conclusion, this study revealed that the participants demonstrated a low level of knowledge and awareness regarding breast cancer and its associated screening methods, particularly mammography. Furthermore, the practice of breast self-examination, which is especially important for women under 40 years of age, was below average, with only one out of every three female participants performing it. Educational programs and health campaigns are essential to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection to improve the rates of mortality and morbidity.

Objective:To assess the level of cancer awareness and the relationship between the awareness of common cancer symptoms and risk factors and the sample’s sociodemographic profile. Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tabuk city, a convenient sample of 675 participants completed a questionnaire about common factors causing cancer and symptoms related to cancer. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared analysis were used to measure sample characteristics and their association with knowledge of cancer risk factors and symptoms. Results:Level of education and family history were significantly related to awareness of cancer risk factors (P= 0.017) and (P= 0.048), respectively. Factors were significantly associated with awareness of cancer symptoms include Gender (P=0.000), nationality (P=0.013), and undergoing regular cancer screening tests (0.008). Internet was the primary source of information about cancer and related significantly to knowledge about cancer symptoms(P=0.000) and risk factors(P=0.00). More than half of the sample scored poorly for knowledge of both cancer risk factors (58.7%) and symptoms (66.2%) in terms of the overall level of cancer awareness. Smoking and heredity were the most identifiable cancer risk factors, and unexplained pain and weight loss were identified by the majority of study participants. Conclusion:The level of community knowledge requires further investigation, and more cancer awareness programs need to be conducted. People could be encouraged to use reliable sources of information to obtain accurate cancer information.

Background: Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and a common cause of death-related cancer. Fortunately, evidence suggests that we might be able to help improve the outcome with screening, early diagnosis, and intervention. Objective: The present study investigates the awareness of breast cancer screening and breast cancer risk factors among women in the western province of Saudi Arabia. Method: The present study employed a cross-sectional survey design, with 365 participating females (aged ≥ 18 years) in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from December 2019 to January 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, breast cancer knowledge, risk factors, family history, and screening, as well as personal medical history. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, the t-test, and one-way ANOVA tests. Result: In general, the majority of the women (98.1%) were aware of breast cancer screening. The most commonly identified risk factor in our study was a family history of breast cancer (75.1%), and women with previous exposure to breast cancer measured significantly higher on the socioeconomic index score (M=0.147, SD-0.95) than did those who had never been screened (M=-0.134, SD=1, p=0.007). The findings denote that the women who had a higher knowledge are of a higher socioeconomic class and educational level than were those who were measured and found to have a lower knowledge. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the level of awareness of breast cancer screening and breast cancer risk factors, including knowledge about mammogram usage, among women of Saudi Arabia is acceptable, being more than a half. However, the results are still sub-optimal and more educational campaigns are needed to improve the knowledge and screening compliance.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer (BC) is women's most common type of cancer. In LAMICs, breast cancer incidence is low. However, a lack of information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer potentially results in the disease's progression to life-threatening stages.This study aimed to determine the levels of breast cancer symptom awareness among Syrian women and to identify the variables associated with a high level of awareness.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: From 3 September 2022 to 27 September 2022, Syrian women participated in an online cross-sectional survey to measure their knowledge about breast cancer, risk factors, and symptoms. This survey was derived from previous research that included a comprehensive, authorized scale. The admission requirement was 18-year-old or older Syrian women from all Syrian governorates. The questionnaire was divided into two portions; the first component included sociodemographic characteristics. Based on the original BCAM scale, the second portion assessed the participant's knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and obstacles. Using the IBM SPSS V. 28.0 software, descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on the data.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Among 1305 study participants, the mean age and standard deviation of the individuals were 30.7 and 11.2, respectively. Students constituted almost three-quarters (75.2%) of the study respondents. The average level of knowledge about risk factors was higher among women with chronic diseases (Mean = 4.44, SD = 2.176), whereas jobless people had a higher average level of information regarding obstacles than other subgroups of practical circumstances. In addition, single women scored higher on the barrier comprehension scale than other marital status groups (mean=3.34, SD=2.32). Only two variables, including age and educational level, were statistically significant in predicting an acceptable degree of knowledge of the risk factors for breast cancer. Participants with a PhD were more aware than other educational subgroups (P-value 0.05; OR =6.186). Participants with a PhD. are projected to be 6.18 times more aware of breast cancer risk factors than those with lower levels of education. Women with chronic conditions were 1.84 times more likely than others to be aware of breast cancer barriers. &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Syrian females have a poor to moderate knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and barriers. It is proposed that more breast cancer awareness campaigns be conducted and that yearly screening programs be improved to combat the late detection of this illness. Social media and television might be effective venues for raising awareness of breast self-examination and early identification of symptoms.

Poor awareness of breast cancer symptoms has been associated with patient delay in seeking help; thus reduced survival, more aggressive treatment, and fewer treatment choices. The aim of this study was to develop a representative picture of Australian women's knowledge of symptoms, experienced potential symptoms, and behavioral responses. A general population sample of approximately 3,000 women aged 30-69 completed a telephone survey; results were compared to previous surveys conducted in 1996 and 2003. The most commonly cited potential symptom of breast cancer was a lump in the breast, identified by 86% of respondents (an increase from 75% in 2003). Other commonly mentioned symptoms were discharge from the nipple, pain/soreness, skin puckering, or dimpling; and a change in breast shape. The proportion unable to name any potential symptoms of breast cancer decreased from one in ten in 2003 to approximately one in twenty in 2007. The primary reason for not seeking medical advice in response to a potential symptom was the belief that breast cancer was not present. Health promotion efforts need to continue to aim at increasing community understanding of potential breast cancer symptoms and encouraging women to act on potential symptoms by seeking medical advice.

Advances in Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Breast Cancer