Mapping evidence on knowledge of breast cancer screening and its uptake among women in Ghana: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction Female breast cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally with an estimated 2.3 million new cases in 2020. Due to its rising frequency and high mortality rate in both high- and low-income countries, breast cancer has become a global public health issue. This review sought to map literature to present evidence on knowledge of breast cancer screening and its uptake among women in Ghana. Methods Five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EMBASE) were searched to identify relevant published studies between January 2012 and August 2021 on knowledge of breast cancer screening and its uptake among women. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews and the six-stage model by Arksey and O’Malley were used to select and report findings. Results Of the 65 articles retrieved, 14 records were included for synthesis. The review revealed varied knowledge levels and practices of breast cancer screening among women across a few regions in Ghana. The knowledge level of women on breast cancer screening was high, especially in breast cancer screening practice. Breast cancer screening practice among women was observed to be low and the most identified barriers were lack of technique to practice breast self-examination, having no breast problem, lack of awareness of breast cancer screening, and not having breast cancer risk. The results further showed that good knowledge of breast cancer screening, higher educational level, increasing age, physician recommendation, and household monthly income were enabling factors for breast cancer screening uptake. Conclusion This review showed varied discrepancies in breast cancer screening uptake across the regions in Ghana. Despite the benefits of breast cancer screening, the utilization of the screening methods across the regions is very low due to some varied barriers from the different regions. To increase the uptake of breast cancer screening, health workers could employ various strategies such as community education and sensitization on the importance of breast cancer screening.

Factors associated with awareness of breast cancer among women of reproductive age in Lesotho: a national population-based cross-sectional survey

“…This has been attributed to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers [ 5 , 8 ]. The increased late diagnosis of breast cancer has been largely attributed to the lack of awareness of the disease among the public [ 9 , 10 ]. An increased level of breast cancer awareness is key for women to present promptly to health facilities if they have breast cancer and a stimulus for improvement in the uptake of breast screening activities [ 10 – 14 ].…”

Exploring the geospatial epidemiology of breast cancer in Iran: identifying significant risk factors and spatial patterns for evidence-based prevention strategies

“…The higher incidence rates observed in developed nations may be attributable to lifestyle determinants, whereas the lower rates in developing countries potentially reflect deficiencies in awareness, screening, timely diagnosis, and treatment facilities [ 3 , 31 ]. Studies conducted in Ghana, Nigeria, and the UAE have identified barriers to BC screening including lack of awareness, limited geographic accessibility, fear, and cultural beliefs [ 32 – 34 ].…”

Socio-cultural beliefs and perceptions influencing diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among women in Ghana: a systematic review

“…In 2020, it was estimated that 2.3 million breast cancer cases were newly diagnosed with approximately 685,000 deaths globally [ 1 ]. In Ghana, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality among women [ 2 ]. In 2020, breast cancer accounted for approximately 31.8% of all cancer cases in Ghana [ 3 ].…”