Worldwide review with meta-analysis of women?s awareness about breast cancer

Objective: To summarize the awareness levels of breast cancer (BC) worldwide and investigate factors associated with BC awareness to determine differences in awareness between China and other countries. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and included 92 articles up to July, 2021. We calculated percentages for BC awareness levels and conducted subgroup analysis and cumulative meta analysis. Results: A total 84% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 78-90%) of women knew about BC; however, only 51% (95%CI: 37-66%) and 40% (95%CI: 24-56%) of women were aware of BC symptoms and BC risk factors, respectively. The most commonly known BC symptom was breast lump (71%, 95%CI: 62-80%), and BC family history was the most well-known BC risk factor (61%, 95%CI: 54-69%). Subgroup analysis showed lower awareness levels among Chinese and Asian women than women from other countries. Cumulative meta analysis showed no obvious progress in BC awareness levels over time. We investigated 15 awareness related factors, the most frequent of which were education level (61.8%), occupation (29.4%), and age (26.5%). Conclusion: BC awareness levels remain low. Improving BC awareness is critical, especially in developing countries. Practice Implications: Effective education programs are urgently needed to improve women's BC awareness. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. CC_BY_NC_ND_4.0

Automated summary

Breast cancer awareness levels remain low worldwide, with lower levels among Chinese and Asian women compared to women from other countries. Education level, occupation, and age are the main factors influencing awareness levels.