Knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer in rural women and indigenous population of southern Mexico

Abstract

1533 Background: Rural and indigenous women are generally considered to be at lower risk of breast cancer than women living in urban environments. However, a rising breast cancer incidence rates among those women has been reported. Moreover, up to 90% of those women are diagnosed as having advanced disease. With the aim to improve preventive programs in that population, this study evaluated socio-demographic factors associated with breast cancer early detection and women's knowledge about this malignancy. Methods: Between March 2008 and November 2008, women attending cancer screening programs in our clinic were asked to answer a questionnaire focusing on socio-demographic issues, breast cancer risk factors, breast self examination (BSE), mammography, and perception of breast cancer risk. Results: 838 consecutive women (median age 40 years, range: 15–85) were evaluated. 443 (53%) of them were 40 years and older. The highest education level was 9 years in 408 (49%), 72 (9%) were illiterates and 721 (86%) have no medical insurance. 104 (12%) women practice BSE. The main source of breast cancer awareness was physicians and media in 270 (32%) and 214 (26%) women, respectively. 285 (34%) women knew about breast cancer risk factors, 255 (30%) identified symptoms and signs, and 460 (55)% of them identified lump as the most common sign. 441 (53%) women recognized mammography as the best diagnostic tool in detecting breast cancer, but only 79 (18%) out of 443 women 40 years and older, reported having had a mammogram. Mammograms were not done in 364 (82%) women because of financial issues and difficulty in accessing facilities that perform mammography. 311 (37%) women thought that they were at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Conclusions: Rural and indigenous women have a poor knowledge about breast cancer. Low level education, lack of medical insurance, financial issues, insufficient mammography facilities, and low perception of breast cancer risk are the most important barriers to increase women´s participation in early breast cancer detection. These factors should be considered to improve preventive breast cancer programs. No significant financial relationships to disclose.