Experience and yield of mass breast screening among working women in major cities of India: a mixed-method study

Abstract

Background: iBreastTM tool is simple, safe, a handy device which is designed for mass breast cancer screening tool in a community or hospital setting. This study determined the yield and basic characteristics of women attending the breast cancer screening programme. The study also determined the overall experience of women who underwent breast cancer screening using iBreastTM tool.Methods: This study was a multicentric, retrospective observational study conducted in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad as a part of routine work-place breast cancer screening programme supported by Mfine. Screening was done by iBreastTM, which is a hand-held compression device. After proper clinical examination and iBreastTM scanning, results were confirmed by a consultant trained in interpretation of findings. The overall experience of the women who underwent screening was also determined using a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was carried out by mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables, frequency and proportion for categorical variables. The qualitative assessment and thematic analysis of the qualitative data was done.Results: A total of 1080 eligible female employees were present in the approached IT companies and out of that 451 women (41.75%) had consented and participated in the screening program. The acceptance rate was highest in Bengaluru city (65%) followed by Mumbai (53%), Chennai (33%) and least in Hyderabad (18%). 31 participants documented positive findings had in the scan and were referred for further evaluation. The quantitative and qualitative data determined that iBreastTM scan was highly accepted by all participants. Customer service, screening location and overall experience was deemed good by the participants with an average score of 4.8.Conclusions: The iBreastTM has the potential to be a promising tool in providing effective diagnosis after breast examinations.