Women's Breast Cancer Knowledge Research Articles

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.

Breast cancer knowledge in Lebanese females with positive family history.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Positive family history increases the likelihood of developing this disease. As late-stage presentation and poor survival rates are associated with a lack of knowledge about breast cancer and its screening methods, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of Lebanese women with first-degree relatives who were diagnosed with breast cancer. In this cross-sectional study, 200 women with a positive family history accompanying their relatives to oncology clinics or the infusion center at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, completed an online survey after institutional review board approval was granted. Demographic information and answers to questions related to breast cancer risk factors, warning signs, and screening techniques were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Eighty-one percent of the study participants agreed that a history of breast cancer is associated with a higher disease risk. The smaller portions were aware of other potential risk factors, such as hormone replacement therapy, alcohol consumption, late menopause, early menarche, and overweight and sedentary lifestyles. Also, 93% to 96.5% of the participants recognized breast self-examination and mammography as useful tools for early detection. Furthermore, younger participants who reached university level and were employed had more insights into breast cancer. Breast cancer knowledge and early diagnosis are key elements in preventing late presentations and reducing the associated morbidity and mortality. Further educational and awareness campaigns should be conducted in Lebanon to improve women knowledge of breast cancer.

What women know about breast cancer: In the case of Ethiopia

Background & Aim: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Good knowledge of breast cancer enhances timely screening, early detection, and treatment; however, women's knowledge about breast cancer is very low. Thus, this study assesses the level of knowledge regarding breast cancer among women of childbearing age living in Jimma town. Methods & Materials: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma town in 2018. Respondents were identified using multistage sampling methods. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire developed by cancer research UK and used in different languages in many parts of the world. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify a variable with a significant association based on OR, with 95%CI and P-value of less than 0.05. Results: Out of 724 respondents, 686 gave their complete responses. The majority of 496 (72.3%) of the respondents were young adults with a mean age of 31, and about 307 (44.8%) of them had completed secondary school (9-12). Only 35% of respondents knew breast cancer; more specifically, 20% had knowledge of risk factors, 45% had knowledge of signs and symptoms, and 39 % had knowledge of screening methods. Maternal age, educational level, marital status, occupation, source of information, and monthly income, and positive family history of breast cancer were significantly associated with women’s breast cancer knowledge. Conclusion: Just over one-third (35%) of women are knowledgeable about breast cancer. However, women's breast cancer knowledge plays a great role in controlling before reaching an advanced stage.

Abstract A24: Evaluation of a breast cancer screening program in Nigeria

Abstract Background: Late stage diagnosis has been cited as the biggest cause of breast cancer mortality in Nigeria. Low levels of breast cancer awareness among Nigerian women decrease the likelihood they undergo screening; therefore, cancer is often diagnosed at late stages. The Optimal Cancer Care Foundation (OCCF) was founded to address the issue of low breast cancer screening and awareness in Lagos, Nigeria. OCCF provides subsidized screening without long waiting periods or crowds associated with public hospitals. OCCF also conducts weekly seminars on risk factors, signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer. Ongoing assessment of program implementation and effectiveness is necessary for OCCF to provide the maximum benefit. This study aims to describe culturally relevant factors from patient interviews that may be influential and deserve consideration in the OCCF breast cancer screening program and perform an evaluability assessment in partnership with the OCCF to determine if the program is achieving its stated objectives and to adjust OCCF activities to improve outcomes. Methods: The study took place in the screening facility of OCCF in Lagos, Nigeria in June and July 2015. The eligibility criteria were women 18 years and older, able to speak English and not pregnant. An incentive was provided in the form of clinic registration fee, 500 naira or $3 for new patients or soap and tooth paste worth the same amount for women who had already registered at the clinic. Program participants were given a survey to determine baseline breast cancer knowledge, at which time demographic data was also collected. Semi-structured interviews to assess screening beliefs were also conducted. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess sample demographics. Content analysis was conducted to assess responses for semi-structured survey questions. Preliminary Results: All patients present on interview days filled the survey. 129 women, with an average age of 37 and a range of 18-61 answered the survey. Sixty four percent of the participants were new patients. Fifty-two percent of the sample had a college or graduate degree while 23% of women had a high school education or less. Twenty-two percentage had technical or vocation training certificates. Sixty-five percent of women were married and 2% were widows. Twenty-two percent of women were currently unemployed. Thirty-two percent of women were self-employed while 33% had some other professional employment. Forty-three percent of women did not know their risk of getting breast cancer. Thirty-three percent believed that breast cancer was a disease only common in the elderly while 66% believed that breast cancer could be inherited. Five percent believed that breast cancer was caused by evil spirits while 12 % were not sure if breast cancer could be caused by evil spirits. Finally 50% of women had never been screened for breast cancer prior to coming into OCCF. Ninety-four interviews were conducted. Screening barriers included cost of screening and transportation to OCCF, lack of awareness and knowledge about the program and breast cancer and fear associated with stigma of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Many women stated that religion and traditions may play a part in predicting if a women gets screened. It was believed by some that getting screened was an avenue to invite disease into the body. Many believed that breast cancer is caused by evil spirits, curses, or being promiscuous. Others believed that eating canned food, using a microwave, putting money in the bra or wearing a bra caused breast cancer. All women interviewed believed it was important for women for talk to each other about breast cancer but many did not believe it was important to involve men in the discussion. Conclusion: Interventions that increase women's breast cancer knowledge and change negative beliefs associated with decreased screening would lead to improved screening rates in this population. Citation Format: Bilikisu Reni Elewonibi. Evaluation of a breast cancer screening program in Nigeria. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A24.

Staying abreast of breast cancer: examining how communication and motivation relate to Singaporean women's breast cancer knowledge

Numerous health communication studies have highlighted the importance of factual knowledge as an antecedent to health behavior, but few have explored other dimensions of health knowledge, such as structural knowledge. This study seeks to fill this gap by investigating conceptual differences between these two kinds of knowledge in the context of breast cancer in Singapore, and find out how communication and motivational factors are related to them. Using a nationally representative random-digit-dialing survey of women aged 30–70 (N = 802), results showed that interpersonal communication and elaboration were associated with both knowledge types. Attention to online health news and the level of risk perception were positively associated with structural knowledge but not factual knowledge. Theoretical and practical implications for health communication were discussed.

Sources of Breast Cancer Knowledge of Women Living in Moda / İstanbul and Their Attendance to Breast Cancer Screening

Sources of Breast Cancer Knowledge of Women Living in Moda / İstanbul and Their Attendance to Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer knowledge and practices among D/deaf women

BackgroundLimited scientific evidence is available regarding D/deaf women's breast cancer knowledge and early detection practices, as well as about how to increase D/deaf women's breast cancer control practices. Objective/hypothesisTo assess baseline breast cancer knowledge and practices among a sample of D/deaf women recruited into a randomized controlled trial of a breast cancer education program developed for this population. MethodsA written and signed (American Sign Language) survey was administered to a racially/ethnically diverse sample of 209 D/deaf women, 40+ years old, with lower levels of education, recruited in California between October 2008 and May 2009. ResultsThere were misconceptions about breast cancer risk factors, screening, and treatment; only 64.2% of respondents correctly identified the purpose of mammography. Mammography in the prior 2 years was reported by 57.3% of the sample, by 69.8% of White women, and by 43.5% of women from other racial/ethnic groups. Rates also varied by education, having seen a physician in the prior year, and type of insurance. ConclusionsThis study underscores significant gaps in breast cancer screening knowledge and practices, communication issues in health care settings, and unmet needs for tailored health information and materials in this population. Challenges faced in conducting the research needed to develop and test such programs are noted.

Comparison of Three Methods to Increase Knowledge About Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening in Screening Mammography Patients

The specific aim of the study was to determine which of several cost-effective interventions is best able to improve the breast cancer knowledge of women who present for screening mammography. A total of 198 English-speaking women, with no personal or family history of breast cancer, were recruited and randomized to four groups when they presented to the clinic for a screening mammogram. All women filled in a demographic data form and answered a questionnaire containing nine questions about breast cancer, risk, and screening to assess their knowledge and perception. Three educational interventions were tested in this study. The first consisted of a brochure, which provided answers to the questionnaire items and addressed the issues in more depth. The second intervention was an educational conversation with a specially trained mammography technologist. She reviewed the subject's answers to the questionnaire items correcting and/or clarifying them. The third intervention consisted of the brochure together with the conversation with a trained technologist. There was also a control group that just filled in the study questionnaire but did not receive an educational intervention. The same questionnaire was administered by telephone 4 to 6 weeks after the screening experience to all study subjects. Changes in their knowledge and perceptions of breast cancer were measured and compared. A statistically significant increase in knowledge was found in all of the three investigated groups compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the amount of increase between women who underwent different interventions. All three interventions resulted in increased knowledge about breast cancer and screening. No differences in the amount of knowledge increase were found between three interventions tested. The educational brochure seems to represent the most convenient and least costly method to increase knowledge about breast cancer and screening among women who present for screening mammography.

Filipina American women's breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors.

BackgroundFilipino Americans are the fastest growing Asian minority group in the United States. There is limited knowledge about their breast cancer knowledge, screening practices and attitudes.MethodsAs part of the evaluation of the Asian Grocery Store-Based Cancer Education Program, 248 Filipino American women completed baseline and follow-up surveys, while an additional 58 took part in focus groups.ResultsCompliance with annual clinical breast exam guidelines among women 40 to 49 years old was 43%, and annual mammography use among women 50 and over was 56%. The Asian Grocery Store-Based Cancer Education Program and complementary focus group study identified multiple barriers that hindered women from attending education programs, with time as the most frequently reported barrier.ConclusionThe Asian Grocery Store-Based Cancer Education Program was reported to be a culturally acceptable and effective way of disseminating breast cancer information and one that addressed the women's most frequently reported barrier, lack of time.