Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Countries with Limited Resources

Abstract

Breast cancer is commonly diagnosed at late stages in countries with limited resources. Efforts aimed at early detection can reduce the stage at diagnosis, potentially improving the odds of survival and cure, and enabling simpler and more cost-effective treatment. Early detection of breast cancer entails both early diagnosis in symptomatic women and screening in asymptomatic women. Key prerequisites for early detection are ensuring that women are supported in seeking care and that they have access to appropriate, affordable diagnostic tests and treatment. We therefore propose the following sequential action plan: 1) promote the empowerment of women to obtain health care, 2) develop infrastructure for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, 3) begin early detection efforts through breast cancer education and awareness, and 4) when resources permit, expand early detection efforts to include mammographic screening. Public education and awareness can promote earlier diagnosis, and these goals can be achieved in simple and cost-effective ways, such as dissemination of messages through mass media. All women have the right to education about breast cancer, but it must be culturally appropriate and targeted and tailored to the specific population. When resources become available for screening, they should be invested in screening mammography, as it is the only modality that has thus far been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality. Clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast self-examination (BSE) are important components of routine breast care in countries with access to mammography and are important for general breast health education in all countries. However, the evidence does not support the use of CBE and BSE as lifesaving screening methods at this time, recognizing that data from countries with very limited resource are lacking. When widespread screening is not possible, screening can begin in an institution, city, or region, or by targeting screening to women at highest risk. A pilot program can be an ideal way to define the best approach to screening. To succeed, early detection efforts must include the health care providers with whom women have contact; these providers may be physicians, nurses, midwives, traditional healers, or others. There are tremendous differences among and within countries, and a program to promote early detection must be tailored to each country's unique situation.

Factors Affecting To Participation In Population-based Mammography Screening

“…Therefore, in countries with limited resources, different methods have been suggested for diagnosing breast cancer early. [11] One of these methods is a screening program which is based on institutional or small regional areas. [11] In Turkey, there are no studies on community-based mammography screening.…”

“…[11] One of these methods is a screening program which is based on institutional or small regional areas. [11] In Turkey, there are no studies on community-based mammography screening. However, such studies will be helpful in understanding the factors that affect participation in the community; they also can contribute to social awareness and create a favorable base from which to plan screening programs with a wider scope.…”

Level of Knowledge and Behavior of Family Health Personnel Workers in Izmir about Early Diagnosis for Breast and Cervix Cancer

“…According to the data of Globokan 2002, breast cancer is among the most common and most death-causing cancers for women in our country (Parkin et al, 2005). It is recommended for any woman to perform breast self-examination and clinical examinations after age of 20 regularly and the first mammography at the age of 40 and control mammography between the age of 50 and 69 regularly (Anderson et al, 2003;Smith et al, 2006;Modjtabai et al) With mammography, the breast cancer is determined in the rate of 80-90% without any symptoms and treated efficiently and the live chance of individuals increases (ACS, 2008). BSE is a cheap and non-risky method.…”

“…American Cancer Society offers to give information to women about benefits and limits of BSE. Women find out their breast structure with regular breast examinations and become aware about the differences easily (Gray et al, 1990;Epstein et al, 2001;Anderson et al, 2003).…”

Evaluation of Low-Cost Telemammography Screening Configurations: A Comparison with Film-Screen Readings in Vulnerable Areas

“…To reduce the mortality rates associated with breast cancer, screening programs including routine mammograms have been developed [1][2][3][4][5]. For rural or underserved areas, telemedicine may provide a cost-effective solution for screening mammography programs and computed radiography (CR) and full-field digital mammography (FFDM) are useful in the implementation of telemammography services.…”