Cultural Beliefs and Perceptions of Breast Cancer Among Adolescent Girls in Semi-Urban Bangladesh: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and poses a growing public health burden in developing countries, including Bangladesh. Cultural stigma, limited awareness, and delayed recognition contribute to late diagnosis, particularly among younger females. This study examines cultural beliefs and perceptions of breast cancer among adolescent girls in semi-urban Bangladesh.

METHODS

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls in semi-urban Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to May 2025. Four schools were randomly selected, and 384 participants were recruited using stratified random sampling. Cultural beliefs about breast cancer were assessed using a modified 13-item Ferrans Cultural Beliefs Scale, translated into Bangla using a committee-based approach. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.

RESULT: Cultural belief score is 7.38 ± 2.08, rooted misconceptions among participants. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a higher class of study was positively associated with cultural belief scores (β = 0.236, p = 0.037), whereas having a family history of breast cancer was strongly associated with lower cultural belief scores (β = -1.979, p < 0.001). Reliance on friends as a source of information significantly increased cultural belief scores (β = 1.358, p < 0.001). Parental education and average monthly family income were not significant predictors (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Adolescent girls in semi-urban Bangladesh showed a moderate level of cultural beliefs about breast cancer, with a higher class of study, reliance on friends as an information source, and the absence of a family history of breast cancer associated with a greater endorsement of these beliefs, underscoring the need for early, culturally sensitive school-based education.