Breast Cancer Knowledge Research Articles

Breaking barriers: improving mammography screening accessibility and quality of care for breast cancer women with disabilities in Saudi Arabia

IntroductionBreast cancer screening remains pivotal in early detection and intervention. However, disparities persist, particularly among women with disabilities, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their screening practices. This study aims to investigate breast cancer screening behaviours in Saudi women with disabilities.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia surveyed 307 women with disabilities, evaluating their screening frequency, knowledge of mammography, disability types, and duration. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed for data analysis.ResultsThe study found that 70.4% of participants had irregular breast cancer screenings, and 92.5% lacked tailored information on breast cancer screening. The primary sources of information were support groups (59.3%) and healthcare professionals (25.4%). Significant associations were observed between education levels and awareness of the importance of mammography and the increased risk of breast cancer in individuals with disabilities. Notably, participants with higher education levels demonstrated greater awareness.ConclusionThe findings highlight substantial gaps in breast cancer screening practices and knowledge among Saudi women with disabilities. There is a critical need for tailored educational programs, accessible information, and targeted awareness campaigns to address these disparities. Enhancing the accessibility of screening services and information for this demographic is essential for improving healthcare equity and outcomes.

Young Black Women's Breast Cancer Knowledge and Beliefs: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed MethodsStudy.

Black women under the age of 50 have a 111% higher breast cancer mortality rate than their White counterparts. The breast cancer mortality disparities among young Black women may be due in part to the fact that they are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage, invasive breast cancer tumors. Psychosocial factors, such as lack of perceived risk for breast cancer, lack of awareness of breast cancer risk factors, and ambiguity about breast cancer screening guidelines are areas that are under investigated among young Black women. The purpose of this study was to identify young Black women's cancer beliefs and level of breast cancer risk knowledge. A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted using quantitative data from the Health Information Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6) (n = 25) and qualitative data from interviews with young Black female college students (n = 13). The results of the quantitative data analysis were used to guide the development of the qualitative interview guide. Data regarding participants' cancer beliefs, cancer risk factor knowledge, perceived cancer risk, and ambiguity about cancer screening behaviors were analyzed. The findings indicated young Black women have low perceived risk of developing cancer. Most participants were not aware of cancer recommendations that were targeted towards women under the age of 40. In addition, knowledge about lifestyle behavior risk factors for breast cancer was relatively low. Our findings underscore the importance of developing, disseminating, and implementing breast cancer education interventions that are targeted towards young Black women.

Patient-reported outcomes, and perceptions and knowledge about recurrence in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Over half of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer recurrences occur >5years from diagnosis, however, little is known about well-being or breast cancer risk perceptions and knowledge in long-term HR+ breast cancer survivors. From 1/2021 to 1/2022, we surveyed patients with a history of stage II/III, HR+ breast cancer, ≥5years from diagnosis, without recurrence about concerns and perceptions related to their diagnosis and recurrence risk, physical and emotional health, knowledge, and risk reduction. Logistic regression identified factors associated with overestimation of 5-10year distant recurrence risk. Among 166 women, median age at diagnosis was 51, 2.4% were Black and 1.2% Hispanic; 19.3% did not have a college degree. Median time from diagnosis was 10years (range: 5-23). Median PROMIS anxiety (53; range: 37-73), physical (51, range: 32-68), and mental (51, range: 25-68) scores were similar to population norms (score of 50). 40% of women estimated metastatic recurrence risk to be ≥20% 5-10years post-treatment; patients without a college degree were more likely to overestimate this risk (multivariable prevalence odds ratio: 3.69, 95% confidence interval: 1.49, 9.18). Only 17% correctly indicated HR+ breast cancer as having a higher risk of recurrence after 5years; over one-third inaccurately responded that alcohol in moderation decreases recurrence risk. While physical and emotional health were comparable to the general population, many survivors harbored inaccurate risk perceptions and knowledge. The association between lower educational attainment and risk overestimation underscores the importance of attention to literacy and numeracy when developing interventions to improve risk communication.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening Among Arab Females in the Middle East: A Literature Review.

Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in Arab countries. Lack of knowledge and awareness regarding breast cancer screening has increased the breast cancer-related morbidity and mortality. This literature review aimed to assess published research papers with a focus on the levels of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers of women in Arab countries of the Middle East toward breast cancer and its screening. SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched using specific terms for relevant, quantitative, original studies published between 2017 and 2022. All English articles that matched the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Fourteen studies focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and barriers regarding breast cancer were included. Two independent reviewers performed screening and extraction. Among the reviewed studies, a range from 19.6% in Oman to 67% in Saudi Arabia had poor knowledge of breast cancer. Past personal or family history was a well-recognized risk factor (n=5), and being worried about the results was the most common barrier to screening. Although most women were aware of screening methods, the majority did not practice screening. Social media and the internet were the most used sources of information used by women to obtain knowledge regarding breast cancer and its screening (n=6). Most of the Arab female population had low levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breast cancer and its screening. Programs designed to raise awareness are necessary, and more policy changes must take place on the national level in Arab, Middle Eastern countries to address the low knowledge, the negative attitudes, and the limited access to breast cancer screening.

Abstract A111: Leveraging African American women as change agents to reduce obesity-related breast cancer risk: An evaluation of a network-based pilot intervention promoting the Mediterranean diet

Abstract BACKGROUND: Obesity is a key risk factor for breast cancer (BC) incidence, recurrence, and mortality among post-menopausal African American (AA) women. Many older AA women are likely to report fewer healthy dietary behaviors, and those who are overweight or obese are likely to share similar dietary patterns as their social networks (SNs). AA women are also likely to receive information on BC risk from their SNs. Thus, AA women who share information on healthy dietary behaviors are well-positioned to become change agents toward reducing obesity and improving BC outcomes among their SNs. This presents a novel opportunity to increase the impact of evidence-based (EB) interventions focused on reducing obesity-related BC risk. This study aimed to assess the effects of the MedDiet-SN pilot intervention among participants trained as change agents to improve obesity-related BC risk reduction behaviors for themselves and their SNs through EB information sharing. Methods: MedDiet-SN was a 10-week, pre-/post- pilot intervention promoting the uptake of the Mediterranean diet, with participant training on effective EB information sharing. A community-based participant advisory board informed the pilot. Study procedures were IRB approved. Eligible participants were AA women, ≥60 years old, overweight or obese, Chicago area residents, and with no severe health conditions. Sixteen women participated, and 30 of their SN members (age ≥18 years) were recruited through participant referral. Predictors included time from pre- to post-study and session dosage for participants, and participant EB information sharing on healthy eating for SN members. Outcomes for both groups included BC and diet knowledge, dietary change attitudes (motivation, self-efficacy), dietary behavior change, and BMI. EB information sharing on healthy eating was an additional outcome for participants. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess outcomes. Results: In crude and adjusted time models, participants showed improved knowledge, behavior change, BMI, and EB information sharing (p<0.05). In adjusted dosage models, participants showed improved knowledge, attitudes, and EB information sharing (p<0.05). SN members showed improved attitudes and behavior change based on participant EB information sharing on healthy eating (p<0.05). In addition, there was a high concordance between participant EB information sharing and SN EB information learned (>70%). CONCLUSION: This research is innovative in that it 1) shows the effectiveness of a network-based intervention promoting healthy dietary behaviors for obesity-related BC risk reduction among AA women, 2) supports the value of scaling up interventions by leveraging participants as change agents for EB information sharing among SNs, and 3) provides a contribution to emerging research on positive intervention spillover effects to SNs. It is anticipated that results from this study will inform the development of future network-based interventions that aim to reduce obesity-related BC risk and improve health outcomes for AA women. Citation Format: Nyahne Bergeron, Mona Strahan, Patricia Hardmon, Marja Stanford- Leak, Anita Stevens, Annie Young, Devyanne Ward, Lois White, Eunhye Lee, Lisa Tussing-Humphreys, Marian Fitzgibbon, Yamilé Molina. Leveraging African American women as change agents to reduce obesity-related breast cancer risk: An evaluation of a network-based pilot intervention promoting the Mediterranean diet [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A111.

Meaningful engagement of people living with cancer: Leveraging breast cancer survivors in a stigma reduction intervention in Tanzania.

Cancer-related stigma is a key driver of advanced breast cancer stage in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We developed and tested the impact of a breast cancer survivor-led Stigma reduction intervention (SRI) on stigma and treatment adherence of newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer in Tanzania. Breast cancer survivors were trained on breast cancer knowledge and motivational interviewing. A total of 4 trained survivors delivered a SRI (standardized flipchart breast education talk, personal testimony, and motivational interviewing) to 30 newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer before treatment. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge surveys and stigma scale surveys were analyzed via Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. A discussion was held with a group of survivors after the intervention period to elicit feedback on their intervention experience. Among the 30 patients, breast cancer knowledge (median overall percent correct) increased from 28% (IQR: 18%-45%) to 85% (IQR: 79%-88%) (p<0.001) and stigma (median score) decreased from 75 (IQR: 57-81) to 53 (IQR: 44-66) (p<0.01) following the intervention. All participants were willing to pursue hospital-based treatment after undergoing the intervention. Eighty-seven percent (n=26) initiated treatment at 8-week follow-up after the intervention. All survivors endorsed feeling empowered and valued in their role in this intervention. Breast cancer survivors are a powerful group to combat the lack of knowledge and stigma in community and healthcare settings. Expanding the scope and scale of this intervention holds promise for improving treatment-seeking behavior and ultimately breast cancer outcomes in SSA.

Evaluation of a pre-post quasi-experimental educational intervention on breast cancer awareness among pharmacy professionals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Cancer, particularly breast cancer, is a major contributor to mortality and a significant impediment to life expectancy. In 2020, breast cancer accounted for 11.7% of all cancer cases and caused approximately 685,000 deaths worldwide, surpassing lung cancer in prevalence. The study aims to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on breast cancer awareness among pharmacy students by comparing their understanding before and after the program. A pre-post quasi-experimental study was designed to assess knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, breast self-examination (BSE) practices, and attitudes toward breast cancer among female university students in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants completed a pre-session questionnaire, attended an awareness workshop and video tutorial, and then completed a post-session questionnaire 2 weeks later. Of 1,200 participants, 1,015 of them completed both the pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Key demographic features included 83.9% of the participants being in the 18-24 age group, 26.8% being married, and only 14.2% having a family history of breast cancer. Before the intervention, 60.7% of the participants were not involved in regular breast self-exams due to a lack of awareness. Post-intervention results showed a significant increase in awareness, with 35.9% rising to 94.9%. The use of screening methods increased from 46.7 to 94.8%. Knowledge of breast cancer improved from 51.2 to 96.7%, and the general perception rose from 48.2 to 93.4%. Attitudes toward self-examination also shifted positively, indicating a significant change in perception. The study concludes the baseline knowledge of breast cancer among female students was inadequate but improved significantly from over 40% to over 90% following the educational intervention. The intervention positively influenced the general perception and attitudes toward breast cancer. These findings highlight the need for regular educational sessions to enhance awareness, improve healthcare outcomes, and reduce mortality rates, particularly in developing countries.

Acceptability of de-intensified screening for women at low risk of breast cancer: a randomised online experimental survey

BackgroundRisk-stratified approaches to breast screening show promise for increasing benefits and reducing harms. But the successful implementation of such an approach will rely on public acceptability. To date, research suggests that while increased screening for women at high risk will be acceptable, any de-intensification of screening for low-risk groups may be met with less enthusiasm. We report findings from a population-based survey of women in England, approaching the age of eligibility for breast screening, to compare the acceptability of current age-based screening with two hypothetical risk-adapted approaches for women at low risk of breast cancer.MethodsAn online survey of 1,579 women aged 40–49 with no personal experience of breast cancer or mammography. Participants were recruited via a market research panel, using target quotas for educational attainment and ethnic group, and were randomised to view information about (1) standard NHS age-based screening; (2) a later screening start age for low-risk women; or (3) a longer screening interval for low-risk women. Primary outcomes were cognitive, emotional, and global acceptability. ANOVAs and multiple regression were used to compare acceptability between groups and explore demographic and psychosocial factors associated with acceptability.ResultsAll three screening approaches were judged to be acceptable on the single-item measure of global acceptability (mean score > 3 on a 5-point scale). Scores for all three measures of acceptability were significantly lower for the risk-adapted scenarios than for age-based screening. There were no differences between the two risk-adapted scenarios. In multivariable analysis, higher breast cancer knowledge was positively associated with cognitive and emotional acceptability of screening approach. Willingness to undergo personal risk assessment was not associated with experimental group.ConclusionWe found no difference in the acceptability of later start age vs. longer screening intervals for women at low risk of breast cancer in a large sample of women who were screening naïve. Although acceptability of both risk-adapted scenarios was lower than for standard age-based screening, overall acceptability was reasonable. The positive associations between knowledge and both cognitive and emotional acceptability suggests clear and reassuring communication about the rationale for de-intensified screening may enhance acceptability.

An Investigation on Breast Cancer Knowledge in Developing Nations

The most common malignant tumor in women diagnosed globally, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Globally, the prevalence of breast cancer is continuously increasing. Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the world. Hereditary and genetic predispositions are among the risk factors linked to the incidence of breast cancer. Breast cancers come in a wide variety of forms. The molecular characteristics of breast cancer, including hormone receptor activation (PR, ER, and HER2) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), genetic changes (BRCA1/2 and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha [PIK3CA] mutations), and immune system markers (PD L1, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes [TIL], and programmed death-ligand 1 [PD L1]) may impact treatment approaches.

Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Behaviors and Associated Factors in Women Visiting the Oncology Research and Treatment Center in Southern Fars (City of Gerash)

Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Behaviors and Associated Factors in Women Visiting the Oncology Research and Treatment Center in Southern Fars (City of Gerash)

Age-Stratified Assessment of the Impact of Breast Cancer Knowledge on the Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns Among Nigerian Females.

Breast cancer (BC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in Nigeria, which is exacerbated by a lack of understanding of how knowledge of BC risk factors influences the lifestyle and dietary patterns of Nigerians across age groups. This study evaluated the influence of knowledge of BC risks on lifestyle and dietary patterns across age groups, aiming to inform early management, prevention, and survival rates. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ota, Ado-odo, Ogun State, Nigeria, involving participants from six educational institutions. The study assessed knowledge of BC risks factors and lifestyle/dietary habits using questionnaires. Results were analyzed using Epi Info software and SPSS version 20. The participants' age ranged from 13 to 60 years, with a mean of 21 years. The age categories of the participants were 75.24% adolescents (13-19), 18.68% young adults (20-40), and 6.08% middle-aged (41-60). Middle-aged individuals had the least knowledge about smoking (7.58%), alcohol (26.09%), antibiotics (7.25%), and red meat/smoked foods (20.09%), which translated into their poor dietary/lifestyle patterns. Young adults showed profound physical inactivity (71.00%), while adolescents consumed more carbonated drinks (71.53%), which corresponded to lack of knowledge about the effects of physical inactivity (10.85%) and consumption of carbonated drinks (13.70%) on BC risk. The study found that understanding BC risk factors directly affects lifestyle and dietary patterns. Age groups with higher knowledge had better lifestyle/dietary patterns. This highlights the need for a tailored intervention on lifestyle and dietary education across all age groups, especially the middle-aged, so as to inform a deliberate adjustment in lifestyle and dietary habits, which play crucial roles in BC incidence, survival, and prevention.

A Systematic Review of Women's Knowledge and Practices Regarding Breast Self-Examination

Globally, breast cancer is the primary cause of death. Non-pharmacological therapy involving knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) is a straightforward, incredibly affordable, non-invasive initial diagnostic technique for early breast cancer diagnosis. The objective of this study is to examine women's knowledge and practices about breast self-examination. The method is a systematic review using PRISMA. Data sourced from searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were conducted to identify relevant published studies. The data was restricted to English-language articles on women's knowledge and practice of breast self-examination published during the previous five years. The results show 15 articles that explain the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination carried out by women. The majority of women have heard of BSE but do not fail to carry out BSE regularly every month. The majority of evaluated studies demonstrated a notable correlation between participants' knowledge of breast cancer and their age, marital status, and level of education. The conclusion is that women's knowledge and practice of breast self-examination are still lacking. Hence, it is imperative to develop techniques that might enhance the awareness and adoption of breast self-examination. Although breast self-examination is generally part of a prevention and monitoring strategy, it does not replace medical or pharmacological care. The contribution of this study is to provide information that breast self-examination has several important contributions in the context of breast health and early detection of breast cancer.

An Investigation on Breast Cancer Knowledge in Developing Nations

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women diagnosed globally and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Globally, the prevalence of breast cancer is increasing with time. Globally, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer. The incidence of breast cancer is linked to several risk factors, such as genetic and inherited predispositions. Breast cancers can be of many different forms. The molecular features of breast cancer, such as the activation of hormone receptors (PR, ER, and HER2) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, genetic alterations (BRCA1/2 and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha [PIK3CA] mutations), and immune system markers (PD L1, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes [TIL], and programmed death-ligand 1 [PD L1]) may impact treatment strategies. sufferers.

Awareness about Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Undergraduate Female Students at the University of Agadir, Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

Breast cancer is a pressing public health issue globally and in Morocco, with rising cases among women. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness and self-examination practices among female university students, informing future educational interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed 437 students at Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, using a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and breast self-examination (BSE). Results showed high awareness of breast cancer (95.3%), with social networks and media being primary information sources. However, only 48.25% had intermediate knowledge levels, and BSE awareness was moderate (60.8%) with low practical skills (28.0%). Reasons for not performing BSE included lack of knowledge and discomfort. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, year of study, study options, and information sources. Despite high awareness, there is a crucial need to enhance knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE practices among young women in Morocco. Educational programs targeting university students are essential for promoting early detection and improving attitudes toward breast health.

Breast cancer screening patterns and associated factors in Iranian women over 40 years

Screening is a key component of breast cancer early detection programs that canconsiderably reduce relevant mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to determinethe breast cancer screening behavioral patterns and associated factors in women over40 years of age. In this descriptive‑analytical cross‑sectional study, 372 over 40 years of agewomen visiting health centers in Tabriz, Iran, in 2023 were enrolled using cluster sampling.The data were collected using the sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, breastcancer perception scale, health literacy for Iranian adults scale, and the Breast CancerScreening Behavior Checklist. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS version 16 usingdescriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferentialstatistics (univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses). In total, 68.3% of allparticipants performed breast self‑examination (BSE) (9.9% regularly, once per month),60.2% underwent clinical breast examination (CBE) (8.9% regularly, twice per year),51.3% underwent mammography (12.3% regularly, once per year), and 36.2% underwentsonography (3.8% regularly, twice per year). The findings also showed that women withbenign breast diseases were more likely to undergo CBE (OR = 8.49; 95% CI 2.55 to 28.21;P < 0.001), mammography (OR = 8.84; 95% CI 2.98 to 10; P < 0.001), and sonography(OR = 18.84; 95% CI 6.40 to 53.33; P < 0.001) than others. Participants with low and moderatebreast cancer perception scores were more likely to perform BSE than women with highbreast cancer perception scores (OR = 2.20; 95% CI 1.21 to 4.00; P = 0.009) and women whohad a history of benign breast disease were more likely to perform screening behaviors thanothers (OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.27 to 4.80; P = 0.008). Women between the ages of 50 and 59 weremore likely to undergo mammography (OR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.29 to 4.77; P = 0.008) and CBE(OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.347 to 4.20; P = 0.003) than those ≥ 60 years. Given the low participationof women in regular breast cancer screening, it is suggested that health care providershighlight the need for screening at the specified intervals in their training programs. Inaddition, health authorities are recommended to use reminder systems to remind women,especially those over 40 years of age, of the best time for breast screening. Moreover, healthcare providers must seek to improve breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and perceptionsof women who visit health centers, which are the first level of contact with the healthcaresystem for the general population.

Breast Cancer Prevention Practices and Knowledge in Italian and Chinese Women in Italy: Clinical Checkups, Free NHS Screening Adherence, and Breast Self-Examination (BSE).

Breast cancer remains a significant global concern, underscoring the critical need for early detection and prevention strategies. Primary and secondary preventive measures, such as routine screenings and behaviors like breast self-examination (BSE), play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnosis. While the National Health System (NHS) in Italy offers free regular screenings for women aged 50-69, there is a lack of clarity regarding the participation of both Italian and Chinese women residing in Italy in these screening programs. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by thoroughly assessing the involvement in regular clinical check-ups and the types of screening employed, the adherence to free screenings offered by the NHS, and the practice of BSE among women aged 50-69 of these two groups. Furthermore, it investigates their knowledge and perceptions regarding breast cancer and BSE. Results reveal disparities in breast cancer control practice between Italian and Chinese women in Italy: the former demonstrates higher adherence to clinical checkups (53% vs. 3%, p < 0.001), while both groups show low participation in free NHS screenings (70% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Additionally, Chinese women reported significantly lower frequency of mammography (96% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) and ultrasound (69% vs. 16%, p < 0.001). The frequency of BSE also differed substantially, with 47% of Chinese women never performing BSE compared to 12% of Italian women (p < 0.001). This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights, attitudes, and knowledge into the disparities and potential areas for improvement in breast cancer prevention, thus contributing to the overall well-being of these communities. The findings highlight the necessity for educational initiatives aimed at improving awareness and participation in screenings, particularly among the Chinese population. These initiatives could have profound implications for patient education by equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in proactive health behaviors.

Awareness, Knowledge, and Current Practice of Breast Cancer Among Surgeons in Jordan.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in Jordan. De-escalation in treatment reflects a paradigm shift in BC treatment. More tailored strategies and the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach are essential to apply recent changes in management. In the era of breast surgery fellowship, adopting well-structured training is essential to apply recent therapeutic guidelines and meet patients' expectations. A cross-sectional study using a customized, self-reported questionnaire was used. Data collection occurred anonymously using a link via WhatsApp in the period between February 2023 and April 2023. A total of 89 surgeons were involved in this study, and only 14 (15.7%) completed a subspecialty in breast surgery. About 58.4% considered the age of 40 years as the starting point for screening, and 84.3% reported that mammogram screening is associated with improved BC survival. Only 10.1% and 28.1% acknowledged the applicability of both tomosynthesis and breast magnetic resonance imaging in screening, respectively. A significant difference in the mean knowledge score about BC is observed between general surgeon and those with subspecialty. Varying levels of awareness concerning different risk factors and their correlation with the likelihood of BC occurrence observed. Although 56.2% of participants could offer breast conserving surgery and consider it oncological safe, only 48.3% defined it correctly. Of the participants, 61.8% and 76.4% stated that sentinel lymph node biopsy can be safely applied in clinically negative or suspicious axillary nodes, respectively, with <50% of surgeon performing it in their practice. More efforts are required to enhance the knowledge and practice of surgeons in the field of breast surgery. Adopting national guidelines can facilitate the acceptance and improvement of current practices among surgeons in Jordan.

Patterns of progression in oligometastatic hormone receptor positive breast cancer after first-line systemic treatment at the metastatic stage.

e13054 Background: In recent years, thanks to large, consecutive and retrospective series, knowledge of oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) has improved. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and patterns of progression of OMBC remain largely unknown. The aim of this study is to determine whether the limited capacity of OMBC to metastasize persisted in patients receiving first-line systemic treatment at the OMBC stage. To obtain a biologically homogeneous cohort, the analysis focused on hormone receptor positive (HR+) OMBC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients consecutively diagnosed and treated from 2012 to 2020 at our institution for synchronous and metachronous HR+ OMBC. Included were HR+ MBC patients with up to five metastases at diagnosis with no other criteria. Clinical and biological characteristics at diagnosis of first metastases, types of treatment (local ablative treatment of all sites (LAT) vs palliative treatment), outcomes and patterns of progression after a first line systemic treatment at the oligometastatic stage were recorded. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates with a 95% confidence interval were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. Results: Out of 1,686 patients treated for MBC at our institution between 2012 and 2020, 11.0% (186/1,686) met inclusion criteria. Among these 186 HR+ OMBC patients, 62.2% had SBR grade I/II HR+, and 19.3% had HER2+ OMBC. 93.5% patients had only one organ invaded, and 88.2% patients had one to three metastases at diagnosis. 66.7% had bone metastases, 60.2% had bone-only metastases, 18.3% had visceral (lung or liver) metastases, 14.5% had lymph node metastases and 6.5% had brain metastases. 35.5% of patients were treated with a curative intent including systemic treatment plus LAT. After a median follow-up of 73.4 months (95%CI= [69.3-76.8]), median PFS and OS were respectively 31.6 months (95%CI= [23.7-37.4]) and 90.9 months (95%CI= [70.0-109.9]). Five years PFS and OS were respectively 32.6 % (95%CI= [25.5-39.9]) and 66.3% (95%CI= [58.4-73.1]). During this period, 64.0% (119/186) of HR+ OMBC patients presented disease progression. Among the latter, 74.1% showed spread with no more than five metastases (oligoprogression), and 82.6% in only one organ. 27.7% (33/119) of patients were able to benefit from LAT. Conclusions: HR+ OMBC incidence is 11%. Among patients with progressive HR+ OMBC following first-line systemic treatment at the oligometastatic stage, a large majority presented oligoprogression and a substantial proportion were able to be treated by local ablative therapy with a curative intent at the time of this progression. The limited capacity of HR+ OMBC to metastasize thus persisted after a first-line systemic treatment. This could be an argument in favor of physiopathological mechanisms specific to oligometastatic disease.

Breast cancer awareness in reproductive women in the low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Abstract Objective This study aimed to assess breast cancer (BC) awareness among reproductive women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identify influencing factors, and propose feasible interventions or programs. Methods We followed a 5-step process using a modified version of Arksey and O’Malley framework methodology. A comprehensive search was conducted on the Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL electronic databases for literature published within 10 years (from 2012 to 2022). Results Thirty-three papers published between 2012 and 2020, spanning 18 countries, were included. Of these, 45.6% described a good level of knowledge, while 24.2% reported that women at reproductive ages had good awareness. Twelve influencing factors were identified in 3 categories: socio-demographic (family history, personal history, marital status, age, religion, income status, living place, and occupation), personal (self-efficacy, education, and perceived level), and external (advertisements promoting awareness). Educational programs were recommended in most (&gt;72%) of the included studies. Conclusions While most studies reported high levels of knowledge and awareness, some found low prevalence among certain groups. Factors affecting knowledge and awareness were classified into socio-demographic, personal, and external categories, with socio-demographic factors such as age, education, income, and marital status being the most frequently cited. The studies recommended implementing educational programs, health prevention strategies, and social interventions to increase BC knowledge and awareness

Breast Cancer Education and Empowerment in Ethiopia: Evaluating Community-Based Cancer Prevention Efforts Using the RE-AIM Framework.

Cancer prevention challenges in Ethiopia include limited community awareness and low uptake of screening, which are in part driven by a lack of culturally and linguistically relevant cancer education appropriate for the diverse indigenous communities of this never-colonized nation. In 2022, a comprehensive multi-media breast cancer (BC) awareness campaign was implemented, featuring local cancer experts and survivors, with community-based screening events in the towns of Adama and Mojo. The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate and describe its reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Educational pamphlets, videos, social media posts, and interviews were distributed in person and through local and national media networks, reaching tens of millions of people and resulting in 525 individuals screened, with one diagnosis of early-stage cancer. During the free screening events, an interview-administered survey of BC knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices was conducted to inform future cancer education for this population. Among 287 survey respondents, about half correctly identified swelling (46%) or changing nipples/discharge (48.4%) as signs of BC. Maintenance challenges include the lack of a national screening program. Educational resources and a mobile app, translated into the local language, encourage continued patient empowerment to perform breast self-exams. In the absence of established BC prevention programs, "pop-up" mobile screening events can be effective for mobilizing communities to get screened. The paper highlights challenges and lessons gleaned from this community-based BC awareness campaign and screening event to inform future cancer education initiatives in Ethiopia and similar resource-limited settings.