Knowledge and barriers to early detection of breast cancer among female primary care patients in Serbia.

objectivesBreast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Serbia and accounts for 22.8% of total cancer mortality in 2018. This study assessed the knowledge and barriers to early detection of breast cancer in women.

methodsIn March 2019, at the Primary Healthcare Centre Kikinda, Serbia, a 22-item questionnaire was distributed to a series of patients (N = 403, response rate 91.8%) to assess the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between variables explaining knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors and barriers to screening, and four types of early detection of breast cancer.

resultsThe majority of patients (85.4%) know that a lump in a breast is a common symptom of breast cancer and that a family history of breast cancer is a risk factor (80.1%); 63.8% of respondents aged ≥ 30 years self-examined their breasts in the past month, 39.1% of patients aged ≥ 40 years had clinical, while 34.4% had ultrasound breast examination in the past year, and 51.1% of patients aged ≥ 50 years had mammography once in the past two years. Patients aged ≥ 40 years retired and those with a positive family history were 84% and 63% less likely not to undergo a clinical breast examination in the past year. Participants over 40 years of age who reported a lack of funds were 2.46 times more likely to miss a clinical breast examination than those who did not have that barrier. Among participants aged 50-69 years, the likelihood of not receiving the mammography increases by 2.82 with an increase in wealth status and it was 65% lower for those who lack information about the available treatment.

conclusionWomen under the age of 50 rarely practice breast cancer screening. Study findings can be used to improve breast cancer screening at the primary level.