Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns Research Articles

Evaluating Media Awareness Toward Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns: A Case Study of Women in Kuwait in 2014.

يتم مواجهة الحالات المتزايدة في مرض سرطان الثدي حول العالم بجهود مختلفة تهدف إلى معرفة طرق تجنب المرض وكيفية علاجه، وتستخدم الحملات التوعوية لنشر الوعي بسرطان الثدي، وزيادة المعرفة به، وتغيير أفكار الأفراد وسلوكياتهم تجاه المرض. تحاول هذه الحملات مواجهة الخوف وبعض العوامل الثقافية التي تخلق العوائق لمواجهة المرض. ولكن العديد من الدراسات السابقة المتعلقة بالحملات التوعوية لسرطان الثدي تركز على قياس تأثير هذه الحملات التوعوية وليس الوعي بوجودها. لذلك، تتطرق هذه الدراسة لسؤال بحثي مختلف: ما مدى وعي الجمهور المستهدف بالحملات التوعوية لسرطان الثدي؟ يحاول هذا البحث دراسة وعي نساء الكويت تجاه الحملات التوعوية لسرطان الثدي وإذا ما كان العمر، المستوى الدراسي والعادات الإعلامية مرتبطة ومسهمة بهذا الوعي. احتوت العينة على 500 امرأة، ووجدت الدراسة مستوى عالياً من عدم الوعي لدى النساء بهذه الحملات. ووجدت أيضاً أن المستوى الدراسي والعادات الإعلامية لم يسهما في وعي النساء بهذه الحملات التوعوية لسرطان الثدي. تشير النتائج إلى أن عامل العمر فقط له علاقة قوية بوعي النساء تجاه هذه الحملات؛ إذ وجد أن الأكبر من حيث العمر لديه وعي أكثر من الأصغر عمراً. هذا الوعي المنخفض تجاه الحملات التوعوية لسرطان الثدي يشير إلى عدم فاعلية الحملات أو عوامل شخصية لدى النساء قد تعوق وعيهن بوجودها.

Prognostic features of breast cancer differ between women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium

ObjectivesCompared to European women, breast cancers in African women present at a younger age, with a higher tumor grade and are more often estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) negative. We here investigate the histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics (ER, PR and human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)) and the proportion of triple negative (Tneg) invasive breast cancers from an unselected series of patients diagnosed in Kinshasa, and compare them to a population of Caucasian women with a palpable breast cancer. Materials and methodsFrom 2010 till 2013, during the first breast cancer awareness campaign, organized in Kinshasa, 87 patients were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Diagnose was based on core biopsy. The control group consisted of Caucasian women (University Hospitals of Leuven, Belgium) with a palpable mass, diagnosed between 2000 till 2009, treated with surgery of which the histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics were collected on excision specimens. Each patient in the Kinshasa group was matched based on age and tumor size to one or more patients of the Leuven database. Differences between both groups with respect to hormone receptors (ER, PR, HER2, Tneg) or grade are presented as relative risks (RR). The analysis is based on a log-binomial model accounting for clustering through matching by a random intercept for cluster. Differences between both groups with respect to hormone receptors correcting for grade is performed by the inclusion of grade as a covariate in the model. ResultsAfter adjusting for age, tumor volume and tumor grade, ER was more frequently negative (RR = 0.71, p < 0.001), with a trend in the same direction for PR (RR = 0.87, p = 0.057), and HER2 more often positive (RR = 1.60, p = 0.015) compared to the group from the University Hospitals of Leuven. There was no difference in the proportion of breast cancers being triple negative. Sub-analysis showed that the higher HER2 positive rate was only observed in older patients (≥50y: RR = 2.07, p = 0.007) whereas no difference in HER2 positive rate was found in younger patients (<50y: RR = 1.30, p = 0.358). A higher ER negative rate was observed in both age groups, however more pronounced in older patients (≥50y: RR = 0.64, p = 0.001; <50y: RR = 0.79, p = 0.018). ConclusionBreast cancer in women of Kinshasa presents at younger age and is more aggressive (more frequently ER negative and HER2 positive) compared to Caucasian women and this is more pronounced in older women (>50y). Only the ER results were concordant with the results of two similar studies (comparing an African with a European group), but were different when compared to studies on African-American women with breast cancer. This information is very important considering the treatment option: as more tumors are ER negative, endocrine therapy cannot be given while chemotherapy is often too expensive.

Athletes as PR Spokespeople: the NFL’s “A Crucial Catch” PR Campaign Explored

The results of the present study were presented at the 2015 International Conference on Communication and Management and examined the National Football League’s (NFL) “A Crucial Catch” breast cancer awareness campaign in the United States. Variables included identification with NFL athletes, exposure to the campaign, NFL fanship, and intention to schedule a breast cancer screening (the action promoted by NFL athletes in this PR campaign). Social media outlets and an e-mail listserv of the School of Communication at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, USA were employed to solicit participants ( n=119 ) in a survey. A questionnaire composed of items modified from Brown and Bocarnea’s (2007a) Celebrity-Persona Parasocial Identification Scale to investigate identification with NFL athletes was used. Statistically significant relationships were found between identification with NFL athletes and exposure, identification with NFL athletes and intention to schedule a breast cancer screening, and identification with NFL athletes and NFL fanship. NFL fanship was also significantly related to exposure to the campaign. Implications for future studies analyzing PR campaigns produced by the NFL and FIFA are suggested.

The role of tentative decisions and health concepts in assessing information about mammography screening

Breast cancer awareness campaigns and screening programs are important public health issues. In order to deepen women’s knowledge about mammography screening, a balanced presentation of arguments is considered to be relevant. Yet, little is known about how women process this information and assess pro and contra arguments, which, in turn, can be embedded in different health paradigms. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the impact of both women’s pre-formed, tentative decisions about whether to participate in mammography screening and of their individual health concepts on their assessment of different arguments about mammography screening. The results showed that women who would tend at the outset to participate in mammography screening rated information about advantages as more relevant than information about disadvantages – in contrast to women who did not intend to participate. In addition, the greater the fit was between women’s individual health concepts and the health concept presented in the arguments, the more they considered the information presented to be relevant. We conclude that presenting balanced information about mammography screening does not guarantee balanced processing of that information. Health professionals need to be aware of people’s prior beliefs and of the health paradigm in which information is embedded.

Assessment of Breast Cancer Screening Practices among Women of Reproductive Age in Benin City, Edo State

Breast cancer is becoming very prevalent in developing countries including Nigeria which is now being bedeviled by the twin public health challenge of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Aims: This study was conducted to assess breast cancer knowledge and screening practices among women of reproductive age in Benin City, with a view to improving breast cancer screening practices and minimize late presentation and attendant consequences. Study Design: A descriptive cross sectional study design was utilized for this study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Central Hospital in Benin City, Edo State between September and December, 2013. Methodology: This study was health facility based involving researcher administration of semistructured questionnaires to 235 consenting women of reproductive age (15-49years) attending immunization clinics in Benin City. The data collected were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 with statistical significance set at p< 0.05 and 95% Confidence Interval. Results: The mean age and parity of respondents studied were 28.8±7.4 years and 2.19±1.85 Original Research Article Obi AI; IJTDH, 6(4): 141-149, 2015; Article no.IJTDH.2015.050 142 children respectively. Two hundred and seventeen (92.3%) of the women studied, were aware of breast cancer with majority 201(92.6%) having poor knowledge of breast cancer. Furthermore, the practice of breast examination was 143 (65.9%) among respondents studied with self-breast examination accounting for 106(74.1%). In relation to breast cancer screening practice, primary level of education (OR=0.323; 95% CI=0.141 – 0.742) was the only significant predictor identified that less likely influenced the practice. Conclusion: This study identified a high awareness with poor level of knowledge on breast cancer among women of reproductive age. The practice of breast examination was high with level of education identified as a significant predictor for breast cancer screening practice. There is need to create and strengthen breast cancer awareness campaign through all available media platforms and in schools not only for improved breast cancer screening practices but very importantly to improve knowledge on its presentation, risk factors and benefits of early detection and treatment for better health outcome.

The Impact of Community-Based Awareness Campaigns on the Early Breast Examination among Women at King Faisal University

Background and Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer between females in Saudi Arabia, the eastern area ranked as the first in the incidence rate. As the breast cancer awareness movement has expanded, majority of the new cases are still diagnosed in a later stage. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of breast cancer awareness campaigns on the knowledge and practice of early breast examination (EBE) which consisted of breast-self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography, among women at King Faisal University. Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried out at King Faisal University, Al-Hassa city on a sample of 300 adult females from different urban and rural areas. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the participants. The questionnaire contains questions about: socio-demographic factors, awareness campaigns, practice and knowledge of breast cancer and early screening methods. Results: The age of the participants ranged from 16 to 60 years; 53% of the participants have attended campaigns; and 47% have never attended. Regarding the practice of BSE, CBE and mammography, the results were 8.8%, 3.3%, and 4.3%, respectively. The results show a significant relation between attending campaigns and good level of practice and knowledge. Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings indicate a great impact of the community-based awareness campaigns on the practice of EBE. The study recommends a multilevel intervention for every age group, specially the age group that at risk.

Perilous equations? Empowerment and the pedagogy of fear in breast cancer awareness campaigns

Breast cancer awareness campaigns are the major strategy used by public institutions and private organizations to empower women about breast cancer. Yet, drawing on my own research and observations as an academic and activist over the past 9 years in Spain, I argue that these mainstream campaigns are often unaware of, or oversimplify, conceptualisations of empowerment. I illustrate my argument with examples from Spain and North America. I show how the specific goal of empowerment aims to persuade women to comply with biomedical recommendations which include behaviour change and treatment-seeking. Towards this end, their main approach focuses on the use of coercive fear-mongering tactics, including misleading information and exaggeration of data on incidence, mortality, survival and treatment efficacy. A further problem is that they allude to assumptions about the reasons for women's compliance: stereotypical moral and gendered responsibilities for one's health and family as well as fear of a horrible death. Some justify this particular use of fear by appealing to the need to target women with a simplified, high-impact message. However, there is evidence that fear creates unnecessary social psychosis and further distorts the decision-making process, conflicting with empowerment intent. I argue that there is an urgent need to stimulate debate about how to improve breast cancer awareness campaigns and propose an alternative approach, grounded in a critical pedagogy paradigm- a model of critical health literacy based on a patient-centred approach that aims to develop critical consciousness and reflection of the social factors that affect breast cancer.

From the set-up of a screening program of breast cancer patients to the identification of the first BRCA mutation in the DR Congo.

BackgroundBreast cancer incidence in African population is low compared to western countries but the mortality rate is higher and the disease presents at a younger age and at a more advanced stage. The World Health Organisation and the Breast Health Global Initiative concluded that in low and middle income countries early breast cancer detection can be achieved by informing women on symptoms of breast cancer, on the practice of breast self-examination and clinical breast examination by trained health care workers. Based on these recommendations, we set up a breast cancer awareness campaign in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This paper describes the strategy that was established and the results that were achieved.MethodsA breast cancer awareness campaign was started in 2010 and data were collected until the end of 2012. Clinicians (expert group) trained nurses and health care workers (awareness groups) on clinical, technical and social aspects of breast cancer. Different channels were used to inform women about the campaign and clinical data (on medical and family history) were collected. The participating women were investigated with clinical breast examination by the awareness group. Women in whom a palpable mass was detected were referred to the hospital: they received a mammography and ultrasound and – in case of suspicious findings – additionally a core needle biopsy. In case of a positive family history, a blood sample was taken for genetic investigation.ResultsIn total, 4,315 women participated, resulting in 1,113 radiological breast examinations, performed in the General Hospital of Kinshasa of which 101 turned out to be malignant lesions. Fifty six percent of the women with breast cancer were less than 50 years old and 75% (65/87) were stage III tumors. A BRCA gene mutation was identified in a family with a severe history of breast cancer.ConclusionsEven without financial support, it was possible to start an awareness campaign for breast cancer in Kinshasa. This campaign increased the awareness on cancer of the women in Kinshasa. The results demonstrate that this campaign had an immediate impact on patients and their families.

Actors support breast cancer awareness campaign

Actors support breast cancer awareness campaign

Factors Associated With Delayed Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in Northeast Thailand

BackgroundWe identified factors associated with delayed first consultation for breast symptoms (patient delay), delayed diagnosis after first consultation (doctor delay), and advanced pathologic stage at presentation among 180 women with breast cancer in Thailand.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study 180 patients with invasive breast cancer were interviewed about potential risk factors and markers of delayed presentation. Patient delay was defined as time from onset of symptoms to first consultation with a health care provider, and doctor delay was defined as time from first consultation with a health care provider to diagnosis of breast cancer. Linear regression and logistic regression were used for the data analyses.ResultsAmong the 180 patients, 17% delayed seeking consultation for longer than 3 months, and 42% reported a doctor delay of longer than 3 months. In multivariate linear analysis, a significant increase in patient delay was associated with higher family income and smoking; factors associated with increased doctor delay were previous breast symptoms, self-treatment, and travel time to the hospital. In multiple logistic regression, doctor delay was related to age at first birth (P = 0.003), previous breast symptoms (P = 0.01), and number of consultations with a surgeon before diagnosis (P = 0.007). Regarding stage of breast cancer, there were significant associations with age at diagnosis (P for trend = 0.04), education (P for trend = 0.01), family income (P for trend = 0.02), time to referral (P = 0.01), and number of consultations with a surgeon before diagnosis (P < 0.01).ConclusionsHospital referral from a health care provider was a major contributor to delayed diagnosis. Breast cancer awareness campaigns in Thailand should target individuals in low- and high-income groups, as well as practitioners.

National breast cancer awareness campaign to launch next week

National breast cancer awareness campaign to launch next week

Symbols and Meanings in Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns

This article examines symbols and meanings in breast cancer awareness campaigns, and the ways in which multifarious actors draw attention to the disease. We discuss what the various campaigns and initiatives can indicate, above and beyond creating breast cancer awareness. Our data stem from sources such as printed material, the Internet, and events. From these sources we have singled out and explored objects, text, and visual expressions, looking in particular for metaphors and symbolic aspects. In this article we present six “images” indicating the underlying patterns that we found. We have called the images Re-enchantment of femininity, Infantilization, Corporate profit-making, Objectification, Transgression of boundaries, and Exhibition of deviation. These are further discussed in the light of perspectives drawn from the social sciences and feminist theories. One of the article's key arguments is that breast cancer campaigns, to a great extent, build upon and reinforce traditional, stereotypical gender roles.

Assessment of self-reported practice patterns regarding treatment of dyslipidemia among physicians under training in family medicine in Ismailia governorate - Egypt

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Qatar, accounting for 29.9% of all female cancers, with an incidence rate of 13.3% in 2002. Knowledge and positive attitude towards breast cancer and the performance of breast self examination is crucial for early treatment and reduction in related mortality. Study Objectives: To assess the knowledge of breast cancer, to determine the attitude towards breast cancer and breast self-examination and to identify the current practice of breast self-examination among women attending PHC centres in Doha in 2009. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study conducted in the PHC centres in Doha. Women attending the PHC centres, aged 20 to 65, Qatari and non-Qatari women were studied. The sampling method used was a two stage stratified systematic random sample. The sample size was calculated with a total of 262 participants. The sample population was collected from six health centres proportionately according to the average number of the women served by each PHC centre. Data collection tool was in the form of an interview aided questionnaire, composed of 4 sections; personal and demographic information, knowledge about breast cancer, attitude (perceived seriousness, susceptibility, barriers and benefits). Finally the last section includes data about practice of breast self examination. Appropriate data analysis was done. Ethical considerations were followed throughout the study. Results: The total response rate was 99.2%. The most identified risk factors for breast cancer by the studied women were smoking, family history, and exposure to radiation (72%, 67.7% and 63.8% respectively). Fifty percent of the women knew the signs, symptoms and more than 90% knew the methods of breast cancer early diagnosis. 81.6% of the participating women perceived seriousness of breast cancer with a mean and standard deviation of 3.42± 0.8 and only 15.7% of the participating women perceived their susceptibility to breast cancer with a mean and standard deviation 2.75± 0.7. A percent of 90.4 of the women perceived the benefits of breast self examination. The most perceived barrier for not practicing breast self examination was fear of not being able to do it properly 56.9%, and the higher the level of the education the more participating women overcame the perceived barriers. Thirty five percent of the studied women practiced breast self-examination. Only 22.8% of the women who practiced breast self-examination performed it at the correct time (once every month). Eighty nine percent of the participating women intended to do breast self-examination over the next year. Conclusion: Many women had knowledge about risk factors of breast cancer; the signs, symptoms and the early detection methods of breast cancer. The seriousness of breast cancer and the benefits of breast self examination were perceived by most of the participating women, while susceptibility to breast cancer was not. A percentage of 35 of the studied women practiced breast self examination. The most frequent barrier identified by the participating women for not practicing BSE was fear of not being able to do breast self examination properly. Recommendations: The study recommends increasing the awareness about breast cancer risk factors and emphasizing the importance of practicing breast self examination through regular breast cancer awareness campaigns. Providing health educational sessions about BSE including practical demonstrations of breast self examination for women attending PHC centres is also recommended.

The changing pattern of risk factors and disease characteristics of breast cancer in Turkey: A cross-sectional study of a Turkish oncology group (BREASTTURK).

e12007 Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Turkey. The risk factors and characteristics of breast cancer patients have not been widely studied in Turkish population. In this observational study we planned to define the disease characteristics and the role of risk factors of patients with early breast cancer in Turkey. We present the results of the interim analysis of an ongoing study of Turkish Oncology Group. Methods: This is a nation-wide cross-sectional study of patients with early breast cancer. A total of 3.000 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer at the 35 centers between March 2008 and March 2011 were planned to be included in the study. In this report we present the results of 2350 patients whom records were available at the time of analysis. Results: The median age was 49 years (range: 22 - 86). The 47% of the patients were post-menopausal and 53% pre-menopausal. The median age at menarche (13 years) and at menopause (48 years), the rate of smoking (12.1% current), alcohol (1.7%), hormonal contraception use (14.5%) were similar to the general female population. Among the studied environmental risk factors, the ratio of use of computerized tomography of abdomen/chest during adolescent period was worrisome in this cohort of breast cancer patients (15.4%). Likewise, the ratio of important stress (death of child/husband/parent) within past 10 years was enormously high (28.4%). The history of previous breast cancer was 0.6% and the family history of breast cancer 19.9%. The major histologic type was invasive ductal cancer (82.9%). The rate of axillary negative patients was 59.1% and T1 tumors 45.1%. ER positivity was 71.7% and c-erbB-2 overexpression 19.7%. Conclusions: Although it is needed to be clarified, the very high rate of history of use of computerized tomography during adolescent period in this study underlines the possible role of diagnostic radiation exposure during childhood in carcinogenesis. Likewise, important stress within 10 years of diagnosis seems to be an important risk factor. We believe that the breast cancer awareness campaigns have changed the disease characteristics of patients with breast cancer in Turkey.

Accrual of under-represented minority women to breast cancer clinical trials in Inland Empire, California.

64 Background: Ethnic minority women are currently underrepresented in breast cancer clinical trials. The age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates for breast cancer are higher in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties (Inland Empire), California, than the statewide average. During the 10 years of enrollment at Loma Linda University Cancer Center (LLUCC) between 1999 and 2009, a total of 151 patients were enrolled to breast cancer clinical trials. Among the enrolled patients, only 26.7% were ethnic minority women in contrast with the 59% of ethnic minority women living in Inland Empire. Methods: A countywide breast cancer awareness campaign using billboard, print ads, and newsletters, combined with direct mailing sent to regional physician offices and breast imaging centers was launched. We specifically addressed previously identified barriers to participation in clinical trials, such as lack of medical insurance, time, invitation, awareness of available studies, access to the institution or doctors conducting the trial, and coordination among clinics. In addition, we utilized a culturally sensitive multidisciplinary team to address the breast cancer care for minority women. Results: During the two year period since implementation of the regional culturally sensitive breast cancer awareness campaign, we successfully enrolled 32 patients into breast cancer clinical trials. Minority breast cancer patient accrual increased from a 10-year average of 26.7% to 46.9% in comparison with non-Hispanic white patients (p=0.02). The accrual rate of Hispanic population increased from 10% to 21.9%. The accrual rate of black patients increased from 5.3% to 12.5%. Conclusions: The use of materials specifically targeting known barriers to participation in clinical trials successfully improved accrual of minority women, and has the potential to improve the cure rate, decrease disparities in breast cancer care, and eventually decrease the breast cancer burden particularly in underserved minority groups in Inland Empire, California.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the first breast cancer awareness campaign in the United Arab Emirates: Lessons learned and next steps

Following an innovative breast cancer awareness campaign in the United Arab Emirates, a dual language survey of 500 women and in-depth interviews were conducted. The study found television advertising to be the most optimal awareness communication method, particularly among Emirati and other Arab women respondents. The research also found strong support for a year-long awareness campaign.

Evaluation of breast cancer awareness among female university students in Malaysia.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women of all ethnic and age groups in Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and methods of screening among female university students and their perception towards the disease treatment outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2008 at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Two hundred participants from 10 randomly selected faculties were interviewed face to face by a trained pharmacist using a validated questionnaire. In addition to their demographic characteristics, participants were required to answer 22 questions concerning knowledge of breast cancer and five questions related to their perception of breast cancer management and treatment outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15. The mean age of the respondents was 26.7 (SD=1.9) years. The results showed that the vast majority of the female university students had inadequate knowledge of breast cancer. The mean total knowledge score of the students was 60.7%. Indian students had significantly less knowledge of breast cancer compared to their Chinese and Malay counterparts (p<0.05). However, more than two third of the students were aware of breast self examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) recommendations. Furthermore, the students had positive perceptions towards the treatment outcomes of breast cancer. This study has highlighted the need of a breast cancer awareness campaign, which should also stress the importance of early detection and reporting of breast cancer.

Knowledge and Perception of Breast Cancer among Women of Various Ethnic Groups in the State of Penang: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge and perception of breast cancer among women of various ethnic groups in the state of Penang. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 5 to March 15, 2008. 384 participants were conveniently selected and interviewed face to face by a trained researcher (M.A.H.) using a validated questionnaire. Participants were required to answer 22 questions concerning knowledge of breast cancer and 5 questions on the perception of breast cancer management and treatment outcomes. Results: The mean total score of knowledge was 59.1%, with Indian women having significantly less knowledge than the Chinese and Malay women (p < 0.001). Only 117 (32.3%) and 120 (33.0%) women were aware of the recommended breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) guidelines, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that ethnicity, age, level of education and employment status were major determinants of breast cancer knowledge. Conclusion: The current study has demonstrated that women in the state of Penang have serious knowledge deficits about breast cancer and poor awareness of BSE and CBE guidelines. This study has highlighted the need of an intensive breast cancer awareness campaign which should also stress the importance of early detection and reporting of breast cancer.

Research in action: mammography utilization following breast cancer awareness campaigns in Lebanon 2002-05

Four consecutive annual surveys of 1200 women each were conducted in Lebanon in connection with the National Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns (2002-05) to measure the prevalence of mammography utilization and the impact of these campaigns, and to highlight regional and demographic differences. The utilization of mammography in the previous 12 months was low and increased only slightly over 4 years (from 11% to 18%). In the 2005 campaign, it was twice as high (25%) in greater Beirut than in mostly rural areas, and among women aged 40-59 years (about 21%) compared with younger (12%) or older (11%) women. In each wave, repeat mammograms were less common than first time screening.

Evaluation of breast cancer awareness among women presenting with newly diagnosed breast disease at Universitas Hospital (Bloemfontein, South Africa)

Background: This study aimed at assessing breast cancer awareness among women presenting with newly diagnosed breast disease at Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The breast cancer awareness of the women, in turn, was related to their screening practices and the stage of breast cancer at presentation. Recommendations to address the clinical implications of the findings of this study were then suggested. Methods: Reports of data on the number of breast cancer awareness campaigns held and the number of people reached during the period April to June 2006 were acquired from the main campaign organiser, CANSA. Data were also obtained by means of interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, from consenting women (n = 56) presenting with newly diagnosed breast disease at Universitas Hospital during the period May 2006 to April 2007. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Free State. Results: Despite aggressive nationwide public education on breast cancer and on the benefits of screening by CANSA breast cancer awareness, the examination and screening practices of women presenting with newly diagnosed breast disease at the Universitas Hospital were generally low. Most of the women interviewed presented with advanced breast cancer (stage 2 and 3), and reported that their healthcare professionals never initiated clinical breast examinations or mammograms. Conclusion: This study has revealed low breast cancer awareness among women presenting with newly diagnosed breast disease at the Universitas Hospital, and hence low rates of self- and clinical examinations of the breast and low mammographic screening rates. This may be attributed to a general lack of awareness of the rising incidence of breast cancer in the Free State among both the public and healthcare professionals. This article has been peer reviewed. Full text available at www.safpj.co.za