WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Evan Thamr A. Alzahraa*, Assel W. Khudair, Zainab J. Al-Jobawi

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Iraq. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. However, many women in Iraq face barriers such as low awareness, limited access to screening, and social stigma. Promoting early detection through education and improved healthcare services is key to reducing breast cancer deaths. Objectives: To assess the screening rate, motives behind screening behavior, and associated determinants among attendees of the Breast Cancer Early Detection Clinics. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed over a period of three months from the 1st of January to the 1st of April in 2025, across three key healthcare institutions in Babylon Governorate. These included the Breast Cancer Early Detection Clinics located within Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Teaching Hospital, Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital, and the Babil Maternity and Pediatric Teaching Hospital. The questionnaire addressed various variables, including age, residency, marital status, educational level, parity, menopausal history, cause of visit to Breast Cancer Early Detection Clinics, and the motivation source for screening. Results: In total, 298 women were involved in the study, with 140 (47%) women attending the clinic for screening. The screening motives were 64 (45.7%) by medical advice, 40 (28.6%) by herself, 19 (13.6%) by workplace, 14 (10%) by social media & TV, and 3 (2.1%) by her friends. The educational level, occupation, and family history show a significant association with the cause of visit (P>0.001, P>0.001, and P>0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The screening rate in Babylon Governorate is a distinguishing and promising indicator for enhancing early detection and improving health outcomes of females, and the medical advice is a leading and prominent one among the motives.

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