Open AccessBreast Cancer in Middle Euphrates Region of Iraq: Risk Factors, Presenting Symptoms and Time to Medical Help-Seeking
Author(s) -
Ahmed Mjali,
Safaa Ayad Jawad,
Haider Hasan Jaleel Al-Shammari
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
asian pacific journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2588-3682
DOI - 10.31557/apjcc.2021.6.3.243-247
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , cancer , medical record , medical advice , medical care , retrospective cohort study , physical examination , gynecology , pediatrics , family medicine , psychiatry
Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring tumor and the first cause of death in females. Low level of understanding early symptoms leads to a late diagnosis and high mortality rates. Aims: To describe presenting symptoms, risk factors, and medical care delays among breast cancer patients in Iraq. Materials & Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study conducted in Al-Hussein center in Karbala province of Iraq between February 2012 and August 2020.Results: There were 101 female patients with breast cancer, median age was 45 years. Most of our patients diagnosed incidentally and only 17.82% of our patients were performing breast self examination. Lack of physical activity was the most common risk factors in more than 74% of patients. Painless breast lump was the most frequent symptom in 85.14% of patients. Majority of our patients 58.42% asked medical help within six months. Limited knowledge about symptoms was the common barriers for early diagnosis in 43.94% of patients. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge about breast cancer had a major concern in our region. Increasing awareness about early symptoms and risk factors is very important for early diagnosis and proper management.