Knowledge, perception and utilization of breast cancer screening among women visiting primary care clinics

Of all the cancers in the world, breast carcinoma claims to be the deadliest for women in the world. It is of key importance that early detection of breast cancer is made possible through awareness programs targeting the general population. However, this solution is fraught with obstacles. Noteworthy of these obstacles are lack of education.

To determine knowledge, perception, and utilization of breast cancer screening among women visiting primary care centers in Karachi, Pakistan.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in community-based primary care centers at Liaquat National Hospital Karachi from September 2021 to February 2022.

The data was collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questions were derived from the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) scale, the most frequently used and validated tool to assess awareness of cancer risk factors and screening.

Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.

A total of 386 participants were enrolled in the study. The median age of study participants was 32 (IQR=) years. Only a few had correct knowledge regarding the breast cancer screening method (n = 118, 30.6%). However, 114 (29.5%) correctly responded that after 40 years, yearly mammography screening should be conducted (n = 114, 29.5%). The majority considered performing breast self-examination important for health (n = 273, 70.7%). 187 (48.4%) women responded that they once performed a self-examination of their breasts.

The study highlighted a significant gap in knowledge regarding breast cancer screening among women. There is a need to emphasize the integration of health education interventions at the primary care level keeping in mind the health literacy level of our population.