Barriers of Breast Cancer Screening among Women at El-Gharbia Governorate, MARWA A. FOAD, MAGDA A. FAWAZ and INAS H. IL-SHAIR
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer in Egypt is ranked as the first cancer affecting females and 58% of breast cancer deaths occurs in developing nations due to lack of early detection screening techniques.
Aim: This study aims to identify women barriers to breast cancer screening practice.
Subjects and Methods: A descriptive exploratory research design was used.
Setting: The study was conducted in two setting: El-Mahalla General Hospital, and governmental Damro Health Unit, in El-Gharbia Governorate.
Sample: A purposive sample of 400 women were recruited from two previously settings.
Tools: Structured interviewing questionnaire sheet was developed by the research investigator.
Results: Of the current study revealed that 33. 3% of the study sample their age ranged 25 –£30 years, 47.3% of the study sample have diploma or secondary school education, the total mean barrier score M±SD was 27.2±3.4. Fifty nine point eight percent of the study subject reported that the barriers of breast cancer screening are as follow, mammography cost and painful procedure while 47.3% mentioned that they don't know about availability of breast cancer screening centers. The results illustrate that 51% don't prefer breast cancer screening by male physician. In addition fearing from exposure to radiation and mammography technique about 50.8% and 53.2% respectively among study subject.
Conclusion: Barriers of breast cancer screening were influenced by interactions between many factors as financial, fear from painful procedure, unavailability of specialized centers, male doctors, fear and lack of knowledge regarding steps of mammography.
Recommendations: Based on results of this study, an educational program is needed to increase females' awareness about breast cancer screening. Females should be informed regarding breast cancer screening by addressing knowledge deficit and barriers to overcoming women underestimation of the value of breast cancer screening.