Investigating women's risk factors for breast cancer and their knowledge and attitudes towards early diagnosis in Nasiriyah city/Iraq

Abstract

Background: The risk of breast cancer developing in women over 40 years of age is related to a combination of reproductive, lifestyle and clinical history factors and early detection through screening practices (e.g. breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography) is a critical factor in prognosis. There is limited data available on prevalence of risk factors and risk factor screening awareness among Iraqi women.

Objective: To identify risk factors for breast cancer among female population aged 40 years or older in Nasiriyah city, Iraq and their knowledge and attitude towards early diagnosis.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 women older than 40 years old who visited two primary health care centers in Iraq from February to March 2020.

Results: The proportion of women with personal history of breast cancer was 6.66%, family history of breast cancer was 21.70%, and benign breast disease was 24.20% of the study participants. A small percentage (0.80%) experienced menarche at or before age 11 and 6.66% had previously had chest radiotherapy. Most (83.30%) had a BMI of 25 or greater, 72.50% did not exercise and 50% were 30 or older when they gave birth to their first child.

Conclusion: Lifestyle-related breast cancer risk factors were prevalent in women from this Iraqi population with overweight/obesity and physical inactivity being the most prevalent, suggesting need for targeted education on these modifiable factors. Furthermore, knowledge and attitudes toward BSE, CBE, and mammography were also poor and interventions are needed to support the awareness and adoption of early detection among female population in this region.