Early Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in Young Women: Educational Needs and Self-reported Knowledge Gaps of Healthcare Professionals in Manitoba, Canada

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in young women (15–39 years) and the leading cause of adolescent and young adult cancer death. Incidence rates of breast cancer in young women (BCYW) in Canada have increased significantly since the mid-1980s. Late-stage diagnosis represents a key age-related disparity for young women with breast cancer. Reported barriers to a timely diagnosis include healthcare professional (HCP) awareness and knowledge gaps as well as healthcare system challenges. Barriers identified include limited awareness of the breast cancer incidence and risk in young women, insufficient familiarity with disease characteristics, and symptom presentation. Methods: To better understand these barriers and HCP education needs in the province of Manitoba, Canada, a team of medical and research professionals developed an online survey to assess HCP knowledge levels of BCYW topics, identify knowledge gaps, and determine preferred educational strategies. Results: HCPs ( n = 49) with frontline practical experience from urban and rural settings across Manitoba completed the survey. Respondents self-reported being slightly knowledgeable or not knowledgeable at all about BCYW incidence and risk factors (30.6%), signs and symptoms (12.2%), and diagnostic pathways (22.4%). Knowledge gaps in inflammatory breast cancer and other BCYW topic areas were also reported. Respondents provided BCYW professional development suggestions and identified an online educational strategy as the preferred learning format. Respondents were receptive to further BCYW professional development. Conclusion: Addressing the identified HCP knowledge gaps with a virtual, tailored approach has the potential to increase early detection, ensure timely treatment, reduce distress, and help improve outcomes for young women diagnosed.