Awareness Regarding Breast Cancer, Perceptions and Compliance towards Mammography among Women Visiting Tertiary Care Hospitals in Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objective: To find out awareness about breast cancer, perceptions and compliance towards mammography in women reporting to tertiary care hospitals in Rawalpindi. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary care hospitals in Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Nov 2021 to Apr 2022. Methodology: A sample size of 120 women was calculated. Sampling technique was non-probability convenient sampling. The data collection tool consisted of demographic information, questions to assess awareness, perceptions and compliance towards mammography. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 26. Results: The survey was administered to 120 women in tertiary care hospital. The study showed that majority of population was well-aware of breast cancer. Out of 120, 104(86%) women believed that new breast masses should be evaluated at clinics. According to 113(94%) women breast cancer can be cured and 95(79.2%) had belief that breast cancer can be prevented. Forty-four (36.6%) women were non-complaint towards mammography having higher barrier scores. There was high significance of occupation (p<0.001), education (p<0.001) in terms of individual compliance towards mammography. Significant association was found among the participants who were compliant towards mammography with respect to occupation (p<0.001) and education (p<0.001). Conclusion: Most of women were well-aware of breast cancer and were more likely to participate in breast health activities. Majority had good perception regarding breast cancer and sufficient knowledge. Lesser women were non-complaint having barriers towards mammography.