Barriers for Breast Cancer Screening Among Asian Women: A Mini Literature Review

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Asian women. Breast cancer is detected in advancedstages and among younger age group women in Asia. The delay in presentation is attributed mainly to the socialculturalperception of the disease, poverty, and the strong influence of traditional medicine. Many of Asian womenare not aware of the importance of regular screening. Cultural attitudes toward breast cancer screening tests,modesty, lack of encouragement by family members and physicians are the major inhibitors to women’s participationin breast cancer screening. Health education using media and community health programs to create awareness ofthe advantages of earlier presentation and diagnosis of breast cancer in Asian women can motivate participation inbreast cancer screening programs.