A survey of the perceived risks of breast cancer in menopausal and postmenopausal women in Hong Kong

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3833_GHC16.60

Authors: Cheng LS Winnie, Wong MF Florence

Abstract: Breast cancer ranks as the most common cause of cancer death in women. If menopausal and postmenopausal women know the risks associated with breast cancer, they will have a better chance to prevent this disease. This study attempted to explore perceived beliefs with regard to the risks associated with breast cancer among menopausal and postmenopausal women in Hong Kong. A survey was designed that used a self-reporting questionnaire to assess the perceived beliefs of 223 women. Results showed that more than half of the participants held misconceptions about breast cancer risks. Only those women who were well-educated and had higher family income performed breast screening for cancer. The findings of this study suggest that health care professionals should channel resources to educate menopausal and postmenopausal women about the risks of breast cancer and to improve access to breast cancer screening especially for women in lower socio-economic strata.

Keywords: breast cancer; menopause; postmenopause, misconception; health practice; breast cancer screening