Breast Cancer Awareness, Knowledge and Beliefs among Libyan Women

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cancer of women. The high mortality in developing countries is associated with late detection, and lack of knowledge and adequate screening programmes. Aims: To determine breast cancer awareness, knowledge and beliefs among Libyan women. Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Between September and October 2016 among a sample of adult women in western Libya. Methods: 1091 woman aged between years were asked to fill a validated questionnaire to investigate their knowledge about the risk factors as well as their awareness and screening behaviours of BC. Results: The majority of women who participated in the study were aware of BC early warning signs and symptoms. Over 90% of the women were able to list at least one symptom of breast cancer correctly. The most frequent warning sign identified was breast lump (91.0%), followed by discharge from the nipples (80.6%). Also, 565 (52.7%) of those surveyed were aware that increasing age was associated with a higher incidence of breast cancer and 747 (68.3%) of the El-Hamadi et al.; JSRR, 24(1): 1-8, 2019; Article no.JSRR.49992 2 respondents identified positive family history as a risk factor. Moreover, 62% know how to perform self-examination (BSE), and only 59% ever performed BSE. The majority (92%) would seek medical advice if they discovered a mass in the breast whereas, about half of those (59%) would consult a male doctor. Conclusions: Women who participated in this study were fairly informed about BC risks and warning signs; the results appear to reflect growing awareness of women regarding BC screening methods. Health education message should be presented and delivered in a culturally-sensitive manner and tailored to provide simple and clear information and avoid false beliefs and misconceptions about the disease, its screening methods and management options. Original Research Article

Breast Cancer Awareness Among Sudanese Females in Omdurman City: 2021

“…In another study, conducted in western Libya 2019, over 90% correctly identi ed at least one warning sign of breast cancer compared with a cumulative rate of only 42.8% in the present study. Family history, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol consumption, obesity, early menarche and late menopause were positively identi ed in the following order: 69.2%, 63.7%, 56.2%47.8%, 31.9%, 37.5% (11).…”