Author/Authors :
Hassoun، Yasmin نويسنده Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon , , Dbouk، Haifa نويسنده Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon , , Aldin، Ehab Saad نويسنده Department of Internal Medicine, Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital Affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States , , Nasser، Zeina نويسنده Department of Public Health, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium , , Abbas، Linda Abou نويسنده Department of Public Health, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium , , Nahleh، Zeina نويسنده Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University, El Paso, Texas, United States , , Tfayli، Arafat نويسنده Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon ,
Abstract :
Background: Screening mammography is an established intervention that leads to
early breast cancer detection and reduced mortality. The Lebanese Ministry of Health
has initiated yearly awareness campaigns and provided free mammography in multiple
centers around the country.
Methods: The study took place in two major areas of Lebanon - Beirut and South
Lebanon. This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess knowledge about breast cancer
screening and screening behaviors in the Lebanese population. The primary outcome
of the study was to assess the reasons that prevented women from performing screening
mammography based on our categories of questions: lack of knowledge about breast
cancer, lack of access to screening facilities, failure of primary care physician to
encourage screening behavior, and other reasons.
Results: The major barriers to seek screening that had statistically significant
P-values, in order of prevalence, included: lack of knowledge about breast cancer,
followed by social reasons and lack of access.
Conclusion: Given the prevalence of breast cancer in our population, it is important
to understand the pitfalls that we experience in promoting awareness. Our study is the
first study to reach out to the community to assess perceived barriers against screening
and provide solutions for such barriers.
