Factors influencing Breast Cancer screening practice among women attending Kigali University Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Abstract

Globally, breast cancer is the most frequent cancer and the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women. In poor resource settings, it is often diagnosed late due to low rates of breast cancer screening. To more successfully detect breast cancer disease early enough, it is vital to know the reason women do not practice breast cancer screening. Hence, this study assessed factors influencing practice of breast cancer screening among women attending University teaching Hospital Kigali, Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 women who were selected conveniently as they came to the hospital. A pre-tested structured questionnaire and three key informants were used to collect data. The key informants were selected among the gynaecology health providers who had more than five years’ experience and interviewed after consenting to take part in this study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized during data analysis. Majority of respondents (n=217, 56.5%) were aged between 30-39years with about half of them (n=206, 53.6%) having attained a university education. A large percentage (n=347, 90.4%) of respondents were married and most of respondents (n=353, 91.9%) belonged to middle income status. Women who practices breast cancer screening had a lowest number among the respondents (n= 136, 35.2%). (n=235, 61.2%) of the respondents had limited knowledge on breast cancer screening; similarly, knowledge on breast cancer risks was also low 85.2%. The results from the Multivariate analysis on factors showed that respondents aged 30-39 years [AOR=3.62; 95%CI=1.80-7.29; p<0.001],Marital status[AOR=5.37; 95% CI=2.18 - 13.26; p<0.01] level of screening awareness [AOR=17.23; 95%CI=7.62 - 38.99; p<0.05],consequences of presenting with advanced breast cancer [AOR=4.29; 95% CI=2.21 - 8.33; p<0.01] and lastly regular follow up by nurses at the facility[AOR=3.05; 95% CI=1.31 - 7.10; p<0.05] were factors that influenced practice of breast cancer screening. All the informants pointed out level of awareness and knowledge on breast screening as the most factors affecting ability of women to undertake breast cancer screening. Majority of women had not been screened for breast cancer of which a significant number were not even aware of breast cancer screening and hence there is need to intensify efforts towards promoting awareness and early regular screening of breast cancer among women.