Self-Examination and Screening Barriers Associated With Breast Cancer Stages Among Patient Women in Baghdad, Iraq

Breast cancer remains a major public health concern among Iraqi women, with limited awareness and practice of self-examination and screening contributing to late detection. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of self-examination and screening barriers on breast cancer detection and to examine the relationship between these barriers and cancer stages.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq, among 325 women aged 18-63 years who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The questionnaire assessed self-examination practices, screening experiences, and perceived barriers to early detection. Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests to determine associations between variables.

The findings revealed poor engagement in self-examination: 68.3% of participants never checked for lumps, 89.8% had not been trained to feel a lump, and 79.4% had not undergone screening before diagnosis (p=0.021, 0.001, and 0.002, respectively). Significant screening barriers were reported, including difficulties communicating with doctors (90.8%, p=0.014), limited decision-making power to undergo testing (81.2%, p=0.035), and reluctance to waste doctors' time (81.2%, p=0.029). A strong association was found between cancer stage and health insurance (χ²=47.646, p=0.001), and between fear of visiting doctors and cancer stage (χ²=6.961, p=0.031).

Low awareness and barriers to screening significantly delay breast cancer detection. Enhancing women's knowledge and empowerment through sustained health education, accessible screening services, and targeted awareness campaigns is essential to promote early diagnosis and reduce the disease's health and social impact.