Impact of positive family history of breast cancer for utilizing screening services

Abstract

Background: The association between a positive family history of breast cancer and the utilization of screening services is a focal point of interest within the realm of public health and oncology. This connection underlines the significance of genetic and familial predispositions in the early detection and prevention strategies of breast cancer, which remains one of the most common and impactful cancers affecting women worldwide. The aim of study is to find the effect of positive family history of breast cancer on utilizing screening services.Method: Cross-sectional investigation of 400 breast-screening patients at Baghdad's Al-Yarmouk teaching hospital. The study ran from January to December 2023. Every patient's file was reviewed. The patient's age (in years), marital status, employment, domicile, familial history of breast cancer and another cancer, educational background, and breast clinic visit objective were requested. We also asked females how often they had clinical examinations in the last year (zero, one, two to six times) and how long since their last mammogram.Results: In a study of 400 females with a mean age of 44.5 years, the majority lived in urban areas (98%), with 63.8% older than 40 years, 71% married, and 52% employed. A significant portion had no family history of breast cancer (64.5%) or other cancers (83.8%), and 74% had not undergone a clinical breast exam or mammography in the last 12 months. No significant correlation was found between a family history of breast cancer and the practice of self-breast exams, clinical exams, or timing of last mammography.Conclusion: Most of the questioned females are over 40, married, live in metropolitan areas, and work, with few having a family history of breast or other malignancies. Despite the high percentage of women who have not had clinical breast exams or mammography in the last year, family history of breast cancer does not appear to be a significant predictor. This suggests a preventative health gap among women regardless of family history of breast cancer.