Bridging knowledge gaps in breast cancer prevention: Insights from Ethiopia

This editorial comment on the article by Agidew et al in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology. Breast cancer remains a growing challenge in Ethiopia, where high mortality results from low awareness, delayed diagnosis, and restricted healthcare access. Agidew et al report that women with a family history of breast disease exhibit significantly higher levels of knowledge (83.9% vs 10.5%), more positive attitudes (49% vs 32.1%), and greater engagement in preventive practices (74.1% vs 16.7%). However, with 69%-79% of women living below the poverty line, socioeconomic barriers severely limit preventive actions. Education, income, and community health insurance emerge as key predictors of health behaviors. We propose integrated interventions including deploying community-based approaches, culturally tailored education, and artificial intelligence-powered education tools, to bridge knowledge gaps and transform awareness into action. This multifaceted strategy offers a scalable model for resource-limited settings globally, addressing both individual awareness and structural barriers to improve breast cancer outcomes.