Socio-Cultural Barriers to Early Detection of Breast Cancer Among Malaysian Postgraduate Students

Abstract

The present study focuses on societal factors influencing the breast cancer incidence and deaths due breast cancer. The delayed detection and late presentation of tumour is influenced by the knowledge and understanding of disease by women herself, family and people in her surroundings. The sociocultural behaviour is key component of delayed detection of breast cancer and delayed presentation which leads to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Though Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among females all around the world including Malaysia. Breast cancer accounts for 2.4% of deaths among women among Malaysia every year. The study was a quantitative questionnaire-based survey. The study includes female postgraduate students 25-30 years of age studying at University Sains Malaysia. The questionnaire was divided into five sections and total of 19 questions. A total of 50 women, between 30-39 years of age were interviewed. This study set out to explore the health promotion concepts and factors that impede health promotion as well as the barriers were also explored which might hinder women to go through mammogram. The results obtained in the study validated and confirmed the literature.