Preserved Benefits and Barriers of Breast Self-examination and Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening in the PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS) population

Abstract

Abstract Background: Clinical breast examination and mammography help in the detection of breast cancer and are valid in improving survival by reducing mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate women's knowledge of breast cancer screening in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies (PERSIAN) Guilan Cohort study (PGCS) population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 476 women aged 35 to 70 among the PGCS population. The demographic and clinical data of participants were collected through a questionnaire. Also, the Champion Health Belief Model, including the perceived benefits of breast self-examination (6 phrases), perceived barriers to breast self-examination (9 phrases), perceived benefits of mammography (6 phrases), perceived barriers mammography (9 phrases), was used to collect the knowledge data. The variables of the questionnaire were assessed using the Likert scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 by significant level <0.05. Results: Most of the research subjects were within the age of 45-55 years (35.9%) and most of them (64.9%) did not mention any history of prior mammography, but among those whith positive hisstory of mammography, most of them (55.1%) had done it without any problem and only based on recommendation. 83% of the participants reported negative previous history of breast abnormalities or discomfort, while the remaining individuals reported experiencing these issues at least once, of which, 15.5% received medical care, with the most common complication being the experience of breast pain (7.7%). In overall, factors including age 35-44.9 years, having insurance, higher education levels, having former visit of a doctor due to breast problem, family history of breast cacner in first degree relatives, and positive history of performing mammography were associated with better scores of preserved benefits and barriers in both breast cancer self-examination and mammography (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, according to the barriers and benefits identified in this study, it is possible to plan for breast cancer screening. It is recommended to focus more on attracting older women to perform screening programs. It is also necessary to encourage doctors to refer women for mammography and support insurance organizations to provide screening services at a lower cost.