Navigating Breast Health Awareness in Benghazi
A study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices about breast self-examination and breast cancer risk factors
In the heart of Benghazi, a quiet but crucial conversation about women's health is unfolding. Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women globally, does not respect borders or cultures. Yet, the fight against it is deeply personal, shaped by knowledge, beliefs, and daily practices. For many women, the first line of defense is not a high-tech machine but their own two hands—through a practice known as breast self-examination (BSE).
This article delves into a critical health study that held up a mirror to the women of Benghazi, exploring their awareness, their attitudes, and their actions regarding breast cancer and BSE. Why does this matter? Because understanding the gap between knowing and doing is the first step toward saving lives, empowering women with knowledge, and fostering a community where health is a shared priority.
To understand how a community approaches a health issue, scientists use a KAP study—a snapshot that measures three key pillars.
What do people know about the disease? Its risk factors? Its warning signs? This pillar measures the factual understanding of breast cancer within the community.
How do they feel about it? Is it a source of fear, shame, or a manageable health concern? Attitudes shape willingness to engage in preventive behaviors.
What do they actually do? Do they perform regular check-ups like BSE? This measures the translation of knowledge and attitudes into action.
Key Insight: When these three pillars align, the result is empowered health-seeking behavior. When they don't, it reveals barriers that need to be addressed.
While the exact cause of breast cancer is complex, several well-established risk factors increase a woman's likelihood of developing it. Understanding these factors is crucial for prevention and early detection.
Factors you cannot change but should be aware of:
Simply being a woman is the main risk factor for breast cancer.
Risk increases as you get older, with most cases diagnosed after age 50.
Having a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer.
Inheriting specific gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Factors influenced by lifestyle that you can control:
A sedentary lifestyle can increase breast cancer risk.
Especially after menopause, excess weight increases risk.
Regular intake is linked to higher breast cancer risk.
Long-term use of certain post-menopausal hormones.
To get a clear picture of the local landscape, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study, a type of observational research that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.
The study was designed to be both rigorous and respectful, gathering data through a structured process:
A detailed questionnaire was developed, translated into Arabic, and tested for clarity and cultural sensitivity.
A diverse group of women from various districts in Benghazi was invited to participate to ensure representative results.
Participants completed anonymous questionnaires covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
The collected data was statistically analyzed to identify patterns, correlations, and significant gaps.
The results painted a picture of high concern but inconsistent action—a common but addressable challenge in public health.
A large majority had heard of breast cancer and BSE, but knowledge of specific risk factors was often limited or inaccurate.
Women valued early detection but often associated breast lumps directly with cancer, creating significant anxiety.
While knowledge and attitude scores were moderate to high, the rate of regular BSE practice was strikingly low.
A breakdown of the women who took part in the study.
| Demographic Factor | Category | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Group | 18-25 years | 22% |
| 26-40 years | 45% | |
| 41-60 years | 33% | |
| Education Level | High School or less | 38% |
| University Degree | 52% | |
| Postgraduate | 10% | |
| Marital Status | Single | 32% |
| Married | 61% | |
| Divorced/Widowed | 7% |
The percentage of women who correctly identified specific risk factors.
Comparing women's beliefs with their actions.
"Early detection of breast cancer improves survival."
"BSE is an important practice for women."
"I practice BSE monthly."
"I have ever had a clinical breast exam."
This study didn't use microscopes or test tubes, but a different set of essential tools to measure human understanding and behavior.
The core data collection instrument, ensuring every participant is asked the same questions in the same way for reliable, comparable data.
A psychometric scale used to quantify attitudes and perceptions (e.g., Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree).
An ethical requirement that ensures participants understand the study's purpose, their rights, and voluntarily agree to take part.
Used to analyze the numerical data, identify trends, calculate percentages, and determine if findings are statistically significant.
A small, preliminary run of the questionnaire to identify confusing questions or cultural insensitivities before the main study.
The Benghazi study reveals a powerful truth: the women there are not indifferent. They are concerned and believe in the importance of early detection. The primary challenge is not a lack of will, but a gap filled with fear, cultural hesitancy, and perhaps a lack of clear, hands-on guidance.
Closing this gap requires a community-wide effort:
Must move beyond awareness campaigns to detailed, practical instruction on how to perform BSE correctly.
Must demystify breast cancer, separating fact from fatalism and reducing the stigma.
Must provide supportive environments where women feel comfortable seeking clinical exams and asking questions.
The journey to better breast health in Benghazi, and anywhere in the world, begins with knowledge. But it is sustained by transforming that knowledge into a confident, monthly practice—the simple, life-saving power of your own hands.