What factors affect breast screening practices among Muslim women living in Sydney metropolitan area?

World Congress on Breast Cancer

August 03-05, 2015 Birmingham, UK

Zakia Hossain

University of Sydney, Australia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Cancer Sci Ther

Abstract :

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring malignant neoplasms among women. Survival from breast cancer has improved steadily over time in many developed countries. Ethnic differences in survival of breast cancer were reported in the USA. Limited evidence suggests that people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background have lower than average rates of population in cancer screening in Australia. The aim of this research is to understand breast cancer knowledge and screening practices among Muslim migrant women (MMW) living in Sydney metropolitan area. Participants of the study are Muslim migrant women (N=101), over the age of 35 living in metropolitan Sydney; were recruited using convenient and snowball techniques. Survey instrument was used to gather data. Results show that the mean age of the participants� was 44.9 years, 54% had tertiary education, 57% were unemployed and mostly married (84%). Bivariate results show that education, employment and religious priority are significantly associated with breast cancer knowledge (P<0.05). Breast screening participation was significantly associated with age, residency, English ability, refusal to see male practitioners and breast cancer knowledge (P<0.05). Notable barriers of screening include pain, unnecessary radiation, lack of GP recommendation and something negative may be discovered, suggesting policy implications.

Biography :

Syeda Zakia Hossain has completed her PhD from the University of Queensland, Australia. She is a health sociologist and a demographer, expert in women’s health. She has worked extensively on women’s health and wellbeing. Her research focuses on health inequalities, chronic disease and disability, i.e., breast cancer, diabetes, health inequalities, South East Asia and Middle East. She has presented her research in national and international conferences and published more than 30 papers in reputed journals. She has been serving as an Executive Editor of the Journal of Community Medicine and Health Education.