| Description |
Background: Breast cancer, the most common invasive cancer among women, has high incidence and mortality rates among women in the Republic of Armenia. Advanced stage at detection limits treatment options and contributes to high morbidity and mortality. Understanding women's breast cancer knowledge and attitudes is important to developing targeted intervention programs addressing this major public health concern. Methods: A cross-sectional knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) study was performed with 229 women attending regional outpatient clinics in the Republic of Armenia over the two-week period of June 19 to July 4, 2012. Data was collected from women ages 18-70 using a standardized survey administered in face-to-face intercept interviews. Results: Eighty-nine percent of women in Armenia accurately indicated that breast cancer was the most common cancer in women. Over 70% of women surveyed understood advanced age and smoking as potential risk factors, although the consensus was lower concerning other potential risk factors. Knowledge concerning signs and symptoms ranged between 60-80%. A majority of women (92%) understood that early diagnosis of breast cancer improves treatment outcome, although women's attitude towards breast cancer susceptibility was downplayed. With the exception of breast cancer endangering their marriage, the perceived seriousness was generally high. Conclusions: A majority of women surveyed in the Republic of Armenia acknowledged that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Overall knowledge levels were high and attitudes towards treatment positive. Public awareness campaigns targeting demographics with knowledge or attitude disparities may prove efficacious in increasing early detection of breast cancer and improving mortality due to breast cancer. |
