Knowledge towards breast cancer among Libyan women in Tripoli

• Main Authors: Y A Taher, A M Samud, G M Benhusein
• Format: Article
• Language: Arabic
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-01-01
• Series: Libyan International Medical University Journal
• Subjects: Women; Cancer screening; Breast cancer; Knowledge; Libya
• Online Access: http://journal.limu.edu.ly/article.asp?issn=2519-139x;year=2016;volume=1;issue=1;spage=58;epage=68;aulast=Taher;type=0
• ISSN: 2519-139X; 2519-139X

Introduction: Breast cancer in women is the commonest type of cancer worldwide. However, in Libya, ordinary systematic screening for breast cancer is neglected. Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate the women's knowledge towards breast cancer and its risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using self-administered questionnaire and face-to-face interviews was conducted at different places in Tripoli city along a period of nine months, from April-December 2013. Results: The mean age (±bSD) of the participating women was 48±b5 years and out of 284 contributors 84.5% were married. One hundred and eighty women (63.4%) stated that long-term use of contraceptive pills (> 5 years) increases the incidence rate of breast cancer. Besides, more than half of participants (157 women) specified that breast cancer is treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, although 50.7% of women reported that mammography and ultrasound are used for early detection, more than 60% of women believed that mammogram can cause cancer. In addition, our data demonstrate that increased knowledge was associated with women who know how to do self-examination and living in urban area. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that Libyan women have acceptable level of knowledge regarding breast cancer. However, improvement of the health systems and awareness regarding breast cancer is needed.