Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women throughout the world. However, in comparison with Western women, it presents relatively early in women of Asian ethnicity. Early menarche, late menopause, use of OCP's, family history of benign or malignant breast disease, exposure to radiation and BMI in the under-weight range are well known risk factors for the development of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Early detection with the use of breast self-examination (BSE) and breast cancer screening programs can lead to a reduction in the mortality rates due to breast cancer. The aim of our study was to assess the risk factors for breast cancer among young women and to emphasize the importance of early screening among them. We conducted a cross-sectional study among women aged 18 to 25 using a self- administered questionnaire. Data was collected over a period of 6 months from June to December, 2014. A total of 300 young women selected randomly from Dow Medical College and various departments of Karachi University successfully completed the survey. Respondents were 18-25 years of age (mean age=21.5). Out of the 300 young females, 90 (30%) had at least one risk factor, 90 (30%) had two, 40 (13%) had three, 8 (2.7%) had four, 2 (0.7%) had five while one female was found to have six positive risk factors for breast cancer. Some 66 women (22%) experienced symptoms of breast cancer such as non-cyclical pain and lumps. While 222 women (74%) had never performed breast self-examination, 22 (7.3%) had had a breast examination done by a health professional while 32 (10.7%) had participated in breast screening programs. A total of 223 (74.3%) women considered breast cancer screening important for young women. The percentage of young women with risk factors for breast cancer was found to be alarmingly high. Therefore, screening for breast cancer should start at an early age especially in high risk groups. Awareness about breast self-examination should be emphasized. Moreover, screening programs should be started to ensure early detection and reduction of mortality rates caused by breast cancer also in young Pakistani females.
Highlights
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in Pakistan and worldwide
According to a survey conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, between years 1995 and 1997, the average incidence of Breast Cancer presentation between ages 15 to was 2.9% and between to 37 years was as high as 27.4% which was the greatest as compared to any other Cancer presenting at these age groups
Early detection is important in this age group (ShMamoon et al, 2003)
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in Pakistan and worldwide. the mean age at presentation in Pakistan is younger as compared to the Western countries. According to a survey conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, between years 1995 and 1997, the average incidence of Breast Cancer presentation between ages 15 to was 2.9% and between to 37 years was as high as 27.4% which was the greatest as compared to any other Cancer presenting at these age groups. This makes Breast Cancer the earliest presenting of all the cancers in women and age standardized rate (ASR) of 515 which is the highest for any Asian country (Bhurgri et al, 2000). Screening programs should be started to ensure early detection and reduction of mortality rates caused by breast cancer in young Pakistani females
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