Breast cancer in Iran: need for greater women awareness of warning signs and effective screening methods
2008

Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening in Iran

Sample size: 1402 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Montazeri Ali, Vahdaninia Mariam, Harirchi Iraj, Harirchi Amir Mahmood, Sajadian Akram, Khaleghi Fatemeh, Ebrahimi Mandana, Haghighat Shahpar, Jarvandi Soghra

Primary Institution: Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research (IHSR), ACECR, Tehran, Iran

Hypothesis

What is the level of knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among women in Iran?

Conclusion

The study found that women's awareness of breast cancer warning signs and effective screening methods is very inadequate, highlighting the urgent need for health education programs.

Supporting Evidence

  • 64% of respondents were familiar with breast cancer.
  • Only 17% of women reported conducting regular breast self-examination.
  • Most women (64%) did not know how to perform breast self-examination.

Takeaway

Many women in Iran don't know enough about breast cancer or how to check for it, so it's important to teach them more about it.

Methodology

A population-based survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted in Tehran, Iran.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data and the demographic composition of the sample.

Limitations

The study sample was not fully representative due to a larger proportion of married women and a smaller proportion of educated individuals.

Participant Demographics

Mean age of respondents was 43.4 years; most were married (85%) and had no personal (94%) or family history (90%) of breast problems.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.00006

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1447-056X-7-6

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