Breast density awareness and cancer risk in the UAE: Enhancing Women's engagement in early detection

IF 2.5 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Radiography Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.radi.2024.12.012

M. Rawashdeh , M.Z. El-Sayed , M. Umar , N. Majeed , A. Jamalzadeh , C. Saade , A. England , M. McEntee , M.M. El Safwany , M.A. Ali

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Increased breast density (BD) is significantly correlated to higher rates of breast cancer (BC), yet awareness among women remains low. This study assesses women's understanding of BD, its implications for cancer risk, and their engagement in screening practices.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 212 women aged 40 to 74 was conducted using an online questionnaire developed within Google Forms, including open and closed-ended questions. Demographic information was collected, followed by BC awareness and BD knowledge questions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software, with categorical data reported as numbers and percentages, and Chi-square tests employed to explore associations between variables.

Results

Of the 212 participants, those with healthcare involvement were significantly more likely to recognize BD as a BC risk factor, with 25.0 % acknowledging its impact compared to 16.8 % of non-professionals (χ² = 9.520, p = 0.009). Formal training was associated with increased engagement in breast self-examinations (BSE), with 58.6 % of trained individuals practicing BSE versus 30.1 % without training (χ² = 9.108, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve BD awareness among women in the general public, empowering them to identify as at-risk and to participate in screening programs.

Impact on practice

This study emphasizes integrating BD awareness into clinical practice. Healthcare providers are encouraged to implement educational strategies that inform women of BD, its associated risks, and the value of regular screening. Enhancing self-awareness among patients may facilitate earlier detection, ultimately improving BC outcomes and public health efforts.

查看原文本刊更多论文

阿联酋对乳房密度和癌症风险的认识：提高妇女对早期检测的参与度。

导读：乳腺密度（BD）的增加与乳腺癌（BC）的高发率显著相关，但女性对此的认识仍然很低。本研究评估了女性对双相障碍的理解、其对癌症风险的影响以及她们在筛查实践中的参与程度。方法：对212名年龄在40 ~ 74岁的女性进行横断面调查，采用谷歌表格中开发的在线问卷，包括开放式和封闭式问题。收集人口统计信息，然后进行BC认知和BD知识问题。使用IBM SPSS软件对数据进行分析，分类数据以数字和百分比报告，并采用卡方检验探讨变量之间的相关性。结果：在212名参与者中，参与医疗保健的人更有可能认识到双相障碍是不列颠哥伦比亚省的危险因素，25.0%的人承认其影响，而非专业人员的这一比例为16.8% （χ2 = 9.520, p = 0.009）。接受过正规培训的患者参与乳房自我检查（BSE）的比例增加，接受过培训的患者中有58.6%进行了乳腺自我检查，而未接受培训的患者中有30.1%进行了乳腺自我检查（χ2 = 9.108, p = 0.003）。结论：研究结果强调了有针对性的教育举措的必要性，以提高公众中女性双相障碍的意识，使她们能够识别风险并参与筛查项目。对实践的影响：本研究强调将双相障碍意识融入临床实践。鼓励医疗保健提供者实施教育策略，告知女性双相障碍及其相关风险，以及定期筛查的价值。增强患者的自我意识可能有助于早期发现，最终改善BC的结果和公共卫生工作。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Radiography RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

34.60%

发文量

169

审稿时长

63 days

期刊介绍： Radiography is an International, English language, peer-reviewed journal of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. Radiography is the official professional journal of the College of Radiographers and is published quarterly. Radiography aims to publish the highest quality material, both clinical and scientific, on all aspects of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy and oncology.