Hong Kong female’s breast cancer awareness measure: Cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: In women worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer. Breast cancer accounted for 26.6% of all new cancers in females diagnosed in 2015 in Hong Kong. AIM: To examine women's awareness, perception, knowledge, and screening practice of breast cancer in Hong Kong. Respondents received higher education (secondary school or above) had higher breast cancer awareness (OR = 2.83, CI: 1.61-4.97), more frequent screening (OR = 2.64, CI: 1.63-4.26) and more had tried prevention practices (OR = 2.80, CI: 1.96-4.02) when compared to those with lower education. Those in age groups 31-45 and 46-60 had higher percentages in performing breast self-exam and mammography when compared to the 18-30 and 61 or above age groups. CONCLUSION: Population-wide public health initiatives should emphasize on prevention and early detection of breast cancer in women, with targeted strategy for those with low education level and advance in age.