Assessing Awareness, Attitude, and Practices of Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Among General Public and Physicians in Pakistan: A Nation With the Highest Breast Cancer Incidence in Asia

Introduction: Breast cancer is a global health challenge with significant mortality, affecting millions worldwide. The current study is aimed at evaluating awareness and practices related to breast cancer screening, prevention, and treatment among the general public and physicians in Lahore, Pakistan, which has a significant incidence of breast cancer. Methodology: The current study adopted a cross-sectional study design conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, between March and August 2023, among 404 participants from the general public and 240 physicians. Data collection and evaluation involved the use of validated questionnaires, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS Version 25. Result: In Lahore, Pakistan, breast cancer awareness among the public was low, with 80.2% unaware of its global prevalence, 65.3% believing not everyone is at risk, and only 42.1% recognizing symptoms. Females showed greater awareness (OR: 1.020, CI: 0.617-1.686, p = 0.002) and positive attitudes (OR: 2.711, CI: 1.478-6.478, p = 0.045), while the 18-29 age group had higher odds of positive practices (OR: 4.317, CI: 2.678-5.956, p = 0.004). Educational attainment significantly influences knowledge and attitudes. Only 13.9% practiced self-examination. Among physicians, 88.8% were confident in screenings, but patient fear (42.9%) and financial barriers (79.2%) hindered action. Physicians with FCPS qualifications had higher odds of awareness (OR: 1.550, CI: 1.130-2.117, p = 0.007), attitudes (OR: 1.500, CI: 1.050-2.150, p = 0.025), and practices (OR: 1.470, CI: 1.070-2.017, p = 0.020). Those with 11-20 years of experience also showed better awareness (OR: 1.400, CI: 1.050-1.868, p = 0.022) and attitudes (OR: 1.450, CI: 1.045-2.018, p = 0.029). Conclusion: In conclusion, breast cancer awareness among the general public is limited, highlighting the need for tailored education programs. Although most physicians show high awareness, challenges in patient communication and barriers, such as fear and financial constraints, must be addressed to improve screening uptake. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted interventions to enhance public awareness, screening practices, and physician-patient communication.