Breast Cancer Knowledge and Screening Behaviour among Women with a Positive Family History: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Breast cancer is the commonest type of cancer among women, and in Malaysia 50-60% of thenew cases are being detected at late stages. Do age, education level, income, ethnicity, relationship with breastcancer patients and knowledge of breast cancer risk factors influence breast screening practices? This studyrevealed interesting but significant differences.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge of breast cancer risk factorsand early detection measures among women in a high risk group. Materials and
Methods: A cross sectionalsurvey of one hundred and thirty one women relatives of breast cancer patients was carried out. Participantswere selected through purposive sampling, during hospital visits. A self-administered questionnaire was used fordata collection.
Results: The majority of the respondents (71%) had poor knowledge of the risk factors for breastcancer. Income, relationship with a patient and practise of breast cancer screening predicted performance ofmammography, R2=0.467, F=12.568, p<0.0001.
Conclusions: The finding shows inadequate knowledge of breastcancer risk factors and poor cancer screening practise among women with family history of breast cancer. Poorknowledge and practise of breast screening are likely to lead to late stage presentation of breast cancer disease.Some important predictors of breast cancer screening behaviour among women with positive family historyof breast cancer were identified. An understanding of the strengths and significance of the association betweenthese factors and breast screening behaviour is vital for developing more targeted breast health promotion.