Attitudes and practices related to breast-cancer screening among female doctors in the province of Babylon

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Iraqi women. Lack of early detection and inadequate diagnostic and treatment facilities contribute to low survival rates in less developed countries such as Iraq. The WHO states that early screening and proper treatment can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality. Aim: This study aimed to assess the attitudes and practices related to breast-cancer screening among female doctors in the province of Babylon. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional method was used to survey 175 female doctors in Babylon from April to July 2021, using an adapted questionnaire. The questionnaire included three parts: socio-demographic data, a 15-question section on attitudes, and a 7-question section on practices regarding breast self-examination. The sample was randomly selected from a total of 734 female doctors in the province. Results: In this study of 175 female doctors in Babylon, most of the women studied were around 29 years (67%) old with a bachelor’s degree, and 50% were married. Attitudes towards breast self-examination were mostly average (94%), but practice was generally poor (55%) or average (36%), with only 9% rated as good. A minority had a family history of breast cancer (17% second-degree, 7% first-degree relatives). Conclusions: This is the first research study on Iraqi female physicians’ attitudes and practices related to breast-cancer screening. This study has found that most female physicians had an average attitude and poor practice vis-a-vis self-screening for breast cancer. Based on the findings, the study has suggested improving breast-cancer screening practices among female doctors, and further research on female practitioners in the medical field.