Mammographic Screening to Improve Breast Cancer Stages in East Azerbaijan, Iran: a Feasibility Study

Abstract

This study was performed with the intention to design and implement a comprehensive breast cancer preventive programs in the northwestern region, Iran, aiming to document the acceptability and compliance of the campaign among the participating healthy women. Methods Healthy women, aged 35-65 years from different regions in the area were recruited. All women received clinical breast examination, participated in an individual and group training to learn how to perform monthly breast self-examination, and were then assessed by mammography. Results A total of 321 women were included, with a mean age of 45± 8.52 (range 35-65). All women underwent at least one breast self-examinations, and 145 (45/1% ، CI95%:39/7-50/6) at least two. The first and second clinical examinations were conducted in all women and in 228 (71/0% ، CI95%:66/0-75/9) at least three times. A total of 224 (69/7% ، CI95%:64/7-74/8) women were referred to an oncologist for further evaluation, and 272 (84/7% ، CI95%:80/8-88/6) underwent mammography. Nine underwent fine-needle aspiration and no cancer was found. The main barriers to stop the participation were lack of knowledge and awareness, fear of mammography, fear of cancer, travel distance and costs, and some personal family problems.