Knowledge, practice, and risk of breast cancer among rural women in Korea

Abstract

Breast cancer is the third leading cause of death among Korean women after stomach and cervical cancer. Furthermore, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing in contrast to decreasing trends of those two cancers described above. According to the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, in 1998, 6.1% of all cancers and 14.1% of cancers in women were breast cancers. Early detection of breast cancer can be achieved by performing periodic breast self-examinations (BSE), clinical breast examinations, and/or mammography. Women should perform early detection procedures such as BSE or mammography on a regular basis to detect breast cancer earlier. For the cost effectiveness of the program, the identification of high-risk groups should be conducted, and the provision of community programs for the early detection of breast cancers should be focused on high-risk groups. The present study was designed to classify the high-risk groups of breast cancer among rural women in Korea, to provide early detection of breast cancer programs. Breast cancer risk of each participant, aged 35–65 years and who reside in the Korean rural community including Kyungki-Do and Chungchongbuk-Do, was assessed utilizing the breast cancer risk appraisal instruments. The tool estimates the six risk factors including age, family history, personal breast disease history, breast-feeding experience, number of children, and frequency of fat intakes. Breast cancer-related knowledge and practices were also assessed. The study results identified a 1.5% high-risk group, 3.8% moderate-risk group, and 24.0% borderline-risk group. Approximately 30% of the respondents were above the borderline-risk groups, which indicate the need for systematic approach for breast cancer prevention and early detection in the community.