Lack of breast cancer awareness in Pakistan

A study has found that there is limited awareness of breast cancer occurrence, detection, and screening practices, or the importance of self-breast exams and clinical breast exams among women in Pakistan.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Pakistan, according to a study in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology. It is usually diagnosed in later stages and at a younger age compared with Western countries.

“Breast cancer care in limited-resource countries generally suffers because of multiple obstacles, including a lack of recognition of breast health as a public health priority, a shortage of trained health care workers and social or cultural barriers. An improved understanding of existing obstacles in breast cancer care is critical to identify those factors that may be correctable and thereby devise effective interventions for improving early breast cancer detection and treatment in disadvantaged countries,” said Sughra Raza, MD, co-author of the study.

Questionnaires were developed to address demographics, financial and educational levels, knowledge regarding breast cancer occurrence and treatment, and religious and cultural beliefs that may affect seeking health care. One-on-one surveys were then administered by community health workers in Karachi to 200 women and 100 general practitioners.

The results showed that women’s knowledge of breast cancer incidence, diagnosis and treatment was proportionate to educational level. Willingness to address breast health issues and interest in early detection were high regardless of education level. However, very few women were found to have ever undergone clinical breast examinations or mammography.

Most general practitioners understood major risk factors and importance of early detection, according to the survery. However, 20% did not believe breast cancer occurs in Pakistan, and 30% believed that it is a fatal disease. Female general practitioners were also found to be more likely to perform clinical breast examinations than their male counterparts.

“Although there is limited awareness regarding breast cancer occurrence, detection, and screening practices, as well as the importance of self-breast exams and clinical breast exams, the majority of women are very keen to learn more, to participate in their own care and to lower their riADIDAS