Breast Cancer Knowledge and Awareness Among Kurdish Women in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Rejoin Iraq

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer has become a major public health concern and challenge. It is the most prevalent cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. This is particularly true in developing countries where women’s breast cancer mortality rates are increasing rapidly. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2023, involving 301 female visitors to Ali Kamal Health Center in Sulaimani City. A simple random sampling method was used to select participants among the population. Inclusion criteria included females, willing to participate and visiting the center for other reasons other than breast cancer, while non-Kurdish-speaking females were excluded. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.4 ± 10.7 years. More than half (59.8%) were aged between 30 and 50 years and 18.6% were older than 50 years. The majority 90.4% resided in urban areas and 66.1% were university graduates. In addition, 75.4% had a family history of breast cancer. Regarding breast cancer knowledge and awareness, 31.9% of participants had adequate knowledge, 21.9% had moderate knowledge, and 46.2% had inadequate knowledge. There was a statistically significant association between participant’s knowledge and awareness and their age group, area of residence, and marital status. A highly significant association was observed between the participant’s knowledge and awareness and the participant’s education level and occupation. However, no significant association was found with having a family history of breast cancer (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that knowledge about breast cancer, including its causes, risk factors, and symptoms, was often inadequate. Consequently, it is imperative to support the development of community-based projects and programs that address these knowledge gaps in the general population. These initiatives should emphasize the importance of breast cancer prevention through various screening methods.