Abstract
Objectives Our study is aimed at exploring the knowledge and personal practice of breast cancer screening among female community pharmacists in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a nonrandom sample selection method for pharmacists in community pharmacies. Results A total of 551 female pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The mean age of pharmacists was 29.1 ± 7.3 years (range 21–67), and most have bachelor degrees in pharmacy (89.1%). The mean score of knowledge of breast cancer signs and symptoms was 4.2 ± 1.5 out of 6 points (range 0–6). The mean score of knowledge of risk factors was 7.6 ± 1.9 out of 12 points (ranging from 2–12). The mean score for knowledge of screening guidelines was 2.8 ± 0.9 out of 4 points (range 0–4). Overall, 452 pharmacists (85.8%) had acceptable knowledge while 75 pharmacists (14.2%) had poor knowledge of breast cancer. Pharmacists surveyed were aware of the different screening methods of breast cancer. The percentage of pharmacists who has performed breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography was 46.6%, 16.5%, and 5.4%, respectively. The most common reason for the lack of BSE and CBE performance was the absence of breast symptoms. Not being at the age recommended for mammography was the most common reason for not undergoing this screening method. Knowledge and practice of screening methods were influenced by age, years of experience, geographic region, personal history of breast cancer, and educational level among community pharmacists. Conclusions This study revealed some gaps in the knowledge of breast cancer among female community pharmacists. The practice of the different screening methods was suboptimal, and variable reasons were indicated for the low uptake of these screening methods. Community pharmacists need to practice preventive behaviors to a satisfactory level to encourage women in the community to adopt similar behavior.
Highlights
Breast cancer is the top cancer in women in both the developed and the developing world [1]
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the practice of breast cancer screening among female community pharmacists in Jordan
This study revealed the gaps in the knowledge of breast cancer among pharmacists especially regarding modifiable risk factors that can be altered to reduce the risk of breast cancer among women
Summary
Breast cancer is the top cancer in women in both the developed and the developing world [1]. It accounts for 30% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases among women worldwide [1]. Data from Jordan National Cancer Registry show breast cancer as the leading cancer among women accounting for. 39.4% of all newly diagnosed cases [2]. Most breast cancer patients in Jordan (30.5%) are presented with advanced stages and more aggressive tumors [3]. Early detection is critical to improving breast cancer outcomes and survival. Diagnosis of breast cancer is a potentially beneficial way to control the disease and reduce mortality [4].
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