Breast Cancer Screening Behavior and its Contributing Factors among Women of Pokhara Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Breast carcinoma is the most prevalent cancer in both industrialized and developing nations among women. Early screening play a vital role in cancer identification and prevention, potentially decreasing mortality due to breast cancer. The study’s primary goal was to find out breast cancer screening behavior and factors related to it among women of Pokhara.

Methods: A survey was carried out among the 269 women residing in ward number 33, Pokhara using systematic sampling. Pokhara University Institutional Review Committee provided approval for the the study. Data were gathered through the use of validated questionnaire. Chi-square test has been applied to analyze the relationship between variables.

Results: Out of 269 women, only 15.6% ever heard of breast cancer screening measures. Among those who are informed about breast cancer screening only 12.3% of women screened at least once in their life for carcinoma of breast. Breast self-examination, clinical breast exam, mammography, and breast ultrasound were practiced once in a life by 1.9%, 6.8%, 3.3% and 0.3% of women, respectively. Women educational level, ever heard of breast cancer screening programs, institutional factors, pain, concern of cost, availability of female doctor were associated with breast cancer screening.

Conclusion: Overall, cancer screening behavior was poor in women of this location. Educational level, breast cancer screening information and health professional recommendation were identified as important factors for breast carcinoma screening behavior.