WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Sura Adil Hadi*, Hiba Dhari Al Ameri and Noufel Sh. Al-Shadood

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is still a major public health problem, and the rates of new cases, deaths, and survival differ throughout the world. Screening for early detection is important for improving outcomes, especially in areas with few resources. Goal: This study looked at the personal, economic, and health system-related hurdles that make it hard for a group of Iraqi women to get screened for breast cancer. Methods: From June 2024 to January 2025, 200 women took part in a cross-sectional research at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad. A systematic interview-based questionnaire with three parts, one of which asked about awareness of BC risk factors, was used to gather data. Results: 52.5% of the participants had a college degree or higher, 82% lived in cities, 78% were married, 61.5% were working, and 44% did not use birth control. Most people knew about BC risk factors: 96.5% knew that not breastfeeding raises the risk, 96% knew that having a family history of the disease raises the chance, 85.5% knew that being older raises the risk, 76.5% knew that smoking raises the risk, and 68.5% mentioned hormone replacement treatment after menopause as a risk factor. The most common reasons people didn't get screened were that they didn't know about it (73.5%), only went to the doctor when they were sick (70%), were afraid of getting bad results or thought cancer couldn't be treated (68%), didn't want to get mammograms without a doctor's recommendation (62%), or were worried about their privacy at screening facilities (56.5%). Conclusion: The study shows that there are big problems that make it hard for Iraqi women to get screened for breast cancer. To get more people to be screened and find out about problems early, we need to deal with these issues through culturally relevant awareness programs and changes to the healthcare system.