Breast cancer awareness among Greek women and potential determinants

Aim-Background

Despite the rise in the incidence of breast cancer (BC), a steady increase in the rate of survival has also been noted which can be directly attributed to early diagnosis, among others. Therefore, keeping women informed of the latest advances in BC treatment and prevention is crucial. The aim of this study is an attempt to quantify the level of awareness of Greek women on issues related to female BC prevention.

Methods

An online questionnaire of 24 items divided into three sections (sociodemographic, personal experience, as well as beliefs concerning BC prevention and screening) was completed and submitted anonymously by 2565 Greek women of all adult age groups and of various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Results

Only 42.8% of women used credible sources of information on health issues such as BC. Regular breast self-examination was adopted by one in three women. It emerged that 89% of women erroneously associated in vitro fertilization with an increased risk of BC, while half the women were unaware of the possibility of a false-negative result from breast screening. Low BC awareness was associated with low education, low economic status, younger age, single women from non-urban areas who did not have (or did not know if they had) a BC family history and who usually refrained from any kind of preventive actions.

Conclusions

The study revealed that there is a significant proportion of Greek women with a misperception or ignorance of BC prevention and the significance of early diagnosis. Since timely diagnosis is directly related to BC survival rate, specific actions (e.g. targeted educational interventions in specific subpopulations) should be assumed.