Breast Cancer Screening Practices: Analyzing the Determinants of Participation

Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for reducing mortality rates and achieving successful treatments.

This study examined the relationship between individual characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and participation in breast cancer screening practices among women residing in Jordan.

A cross-sectional design was employed to collect data through self-administered questionnaires comprising the Overall Women's Information about Breast Cancer Form and the Arab Culture-Specific Barriers of Breast Cancer Questionnaire.

A total of 650 women participated. Most women had information about screening and appreciated the importance of these practices, and less than two-thirds had prior formal training in breast self-examination. Less than one-third of participants reported performing regular breast self-examination, only 10.5% of them reported receiving a clinical breast examination by a specialist, and only 11% reported having a regular mammogram. The study found generally low levels of breast cancer screening practices among the population. Breast cancer screening practices are associated with several lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol intake, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Further, age, employment, having information about breast cancer and breast self-examination, receiving training about breast self-examination, and disease susceptibility influenced the frequency of screening practices.

Early detection is crucial for reducing mortality rates and achieving successful treatments. The study found that low levels of screening practices were associated with the population's profile. Enhanced education and support around breast self-examination, clinical breast exam, and mammography can improve health outcomes and increase breast health awareness.