The Roles of Menopausal-specific Quality of Life on Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs in Menopausal and Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study investigated the association between menopausal-specific quality of life (MENQOL) and breast cancer screening beliefs among Hong Kong Chinese menopausal and postmenopausal women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed to collect data. The questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 218 women aged above 45. The outcome variables were breast cancer screening beliefs and breast examination. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the effect of 4 domains in MENQOL (vasomotor, psycho-social, physical, and sexual symptom) and the health behaviors on the 2 outcome variables.ResultsThis study found that the overall MENQOL scores (in particular psycho-social, and physical aspects) were significantly associated with positive attitudes toward health check-ups and better knowledge and perceptions in breast cancer. Regular exercise was also significantly related to breast examination.ConclusionsMENQOL (especially psycho-social and physical domain) and regular exercise are important factors associated with breast cancer screening beliefs. The results of this study illuminate health care professionals to develop primary health care strategies to improve the quality of life of mid-life women.

Exploring factors associated with quality of life in women undergoing mammography

“…The present study demonstrated that women who had benign breast tumors were more likely to have functional well-being QoL. In our study, women who had regular breast self-examinations had better QoL, the results were similar with study results of Cheng et al [24], which showed that the breast and Pap smear screening rate was higher for women with better QoL. Although the association between women receiving cancer screening and QoL is still unclear, research suggests that women who have higher QoL may have better self-efficacy, optimistic personality and greater likelihood of having healthy behavior [25].…”

“…It's consistent with previous studies that women with high health literacy may be more motivated to engage in preventive health behaviors and tend to avoid risky habits. When women with better general health status were more likely to participate in health screening behavior and with better general QoL (psycho-social and physical domains) [24,30].…”