Do We Need to Increase Community Awareness Regarding Self-Breast and Clinical Breast Examination in Pakistan?

Abstract

Background: Pakistani women have high odds of developing breast cancer. This risk begs health education and health literacy regarding breast cancer for women. The cornerstone for timely access to healthcare lies in women being educated about the disease and having positive healthcare seeking behaviors.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study done at a tertiary care public sector hospital in Lahore. The study was conducted in the breast clinic. Women were enrolled from May 2021 till June 2021. De-identified data regarding demographics and awareness, knowledge and practice regarding breast cancer, self-breast examination, clinical breast examination and mammography were recorded.

Results: Less than 20% of women had education at or above an undergraduate degree. 22% of women had a positive family history of breast cancer. All participants knew of breast cancer, 42% identified friends as information source. Only 24% had heard of breast self-examination. 26% correctly identified how to perform one.

Conclusion: Advocating health literacy by teaching women from the community how to perform breast self-examination through social media and breast clinics are needed in Pakistan.