title: Breast Cancer Knowledge, Beliefs, and Screening Practices among Women Seeking Care at District Hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Limited disease awareness among women may impact breast cancer stage-at-diagnosis in Tanzania, reducing survival. This study assessed breast cancer knowledge, screening practices, and educational preferences among outpatients at Tanzanian government-supported hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of women was surveyed regarding (1) knowledge/beliefs of breast cancer etiology, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, (2) early detection knowledge/practice, and (3) educational preferences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 225 respondents, 98.2% knew of breast cancer; 22.2% knew someone affected by breast cancer. On average, 30% of risk factors and 51% of symptoms were identified. Most accepted one or more breast cancer myths. Among 126 aware of breast self-exam, 40% did not practice it; only 0.9% underwent regular clinical breast examinations despite 68% being aware of the procedure. Among treatments, 87% recognized surgery, 70% radiation, and fewer systemic therapy. Preferred educational sources were group sessions, television/radio, and meetings with breast cancer survivors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This work reveals incomplete breast cancer awareness among Tanzanian women and promises to inform development of user-focused educational resources.
authors.affiliation: Pathfinder International, Watertown, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Emma Perry
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Morse
authors.affiliation: Tanzania Public Health Association, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Bertha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Maegga
authors.affiliation: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Gertrud
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology, Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miesfeldt
keywords: Tanzania; awareness; breast cancer; low income; urban