Knowledge and perception of breast cancer among women of reproductive age in Chattogram, Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Background and Aims: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The significantly higher mortality rate has been considered due to poor knowledge of women, delay in diagnosis, and initiation of treatment.Therefore, this hospital-based cross-sectional study aimed to understand the knowledge and perception of women with breast cancer in Bangladesh.Methods: Data was collected using a questionnaire-based interview from 357 women aged 15-49 years attending two tertiary care hospitals in Chattogram city of Bangladesh.Results: Neighbors (18.6%) and relatives (18.1%) were the leading sources of information on breast cancer. Among the total, 69.5% knew about breast cancer however, only 14% of them knew about screening tests and 61.5% were unaware of risk factors for developing breast cancer. Pain in the breast, painless lump, and nipple discharge were the most recognized clinical symptoms by the participants.Exercise and weight control, the practice of breastfeeding, and taking medicine were the three most known prevention practices. Women perceived wrong conceptions that Breast cancer is only found in older age (42.3%) and women (15.7%) and that it causes losing one's breast (3.1%). A significant correlation was found between the education level of participants and their knowledge of risk factors related to breast cancer. Conclusion:Although the majority of the participants have heard about breast cancer, they do not possess enough knowledge regarding the risk factor, symptoms, and preventive methods of breast cancer. We suggest interventions targeting a community-based awareness program

Measurement properties of the Iranian version of the breast cancer perception scale (BCPS) according to the COSMIN checklist

“…Moreover, a study conducted by Mehejabin et al sought to examine the level of knowledge regarding various aspects of breast cancer among women in Bangladesh. The findings revealed that a majority of the participants, exceeding 50%, possessed a limited understanding of the risk factors associated with breast cancer, indicating a significant lack of knowledge [ 53 ].…”

“…The findings of the study conducted by Mehejabin et al indicate that a considerable proportion of women hold the belief that breast cancer can be detected at a young age. Furthermore, the participants held the belief that early diagnosis of the disease could lead to its potential cure [ 53 ]. The aforementioned findings align with the results obtained from a research study carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh, wherein 51.43% of female participants indicated that early detection of breast cancer leads to a potential cure [ 54 ].…”

Health-Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women With Advanced Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Hormone Therapy (Ribociclib and Letrozole)

“…In terms of employment, the patient was known to be a housewife. According to research (Mehejabin & Rahman, 2022), up to 76.2% of women are housewives. The high rate in this position is attributable to a lack of understanding of the breast cancer risk factors.…”

Breast cancer screening awareness, practice, and perceived barriers: A community‐based cross‐sectional study among women in south‐eastern Bangladesh

“… 9 However, screening practice and its associated factors among Bangladeshi women are yet to be established by epidemiological studies. A few studies reported poor knowledge and awareness of breast cancer among Bangladeshi women 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 However, these studies were on either hospital‐based or specified group. Little evidence is available on breast cancer screening awareness and its perceived barrier by the women of this region with poor awareness on breast cancer who seek treatment at the later stage of breast cancer.…”