Knowledge, attitudes and practice of breast control in primary care centers: impact on breast cancer epidemiology in San Rafael, Mendoza

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women globally and the leading cause of cancer death among women in developing countries. Objectives: The main objectives of this study were: to evaluate the clinico-pathological characteristics of patients with breast cancer at the San Rafael Regional Public Hospital, Mendoza; and, additionally, to determine the knowledge of an independent cohort of women regarding breast controls in the peripheral Health Centers of this city. Material and method: For the epidemiologic analysis of breast cancer in San Rafael, the Mendoza Provincial Tumor Registry was consulted. To study the clinico-pathological variables, a decryptive, cross-sectional type study was conducted on 51 consecutive patients with breast cancer diagnosis, during the period January 2014 to July 2016, in the Gynecology Service of the Hospital “ . Teodoro Schestakow” of the City of San Rafael, Mendoza. To determine the level of knowledge regarding breast-river control, surveys were conducted in peripheral health centers in the neighborhoods of Pueblo Diamante, Constitution, El Molino, Villa Laredo and El Sosneado, San Rafael, with prior authorization from the Directorate of the Municipal Health Area. Results: Breast cancer in women corresponded to 33.9% of all cancers in the period 2008-2012, according to the Provincial Tumor Registry. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 53 years (range: 24-81 years). Advanced stages (III and IV) were diagnosed in 41.2% of patients. The 96.1% of patients presented breast symptomatology at the time of diagnosis, being breast tumor (on self-examination) the most frequent. Only 22% of women surveyed perform annual breast control; and only 7% of patients refer to having a breast examination performed at the medical consultation. Conclusion: Breast cancer diagnosis in San Rafael is performed mainly in symptomatic patients, which reflects deficiencies in early diagnosis, breast controls and information on the female population. This represents an opportunity to conduct population-targeted prevention campaigns, as well as education of health effectors from peripheral centres.