Risk Factors, Presenting Symptoms, Time of Diagnosis for Women with Breast Cancer in Baghdad Province

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a major health concern among women, and delayed recognition of warning signs may contribute to diagnosis at an advanced stage. Objective: This study described risk factors, presenting symptoms, and the time of diagnosis among women with breast cancer in Baghdad Province, Iraq. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among a convenience sample of 250 women with histopathologically confirmed breast cancer. Data were collected from 20 June 2022 to 30 November 2023 at oncology hospitals and specialised cancer centres in Baghdad using a researcher-designed questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, risk factors, symptoms, and stage at diagnosis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 46.83 ± 12.32 years, and 34.8% were aged 40–49 years. A body mass index of ≥25 was the most frequently reported risk factor (71.6%), followed by contraceptive use (66.8%) and a family history of breast cancer (61.1%). The most common presenting symptoms were a painless breast lump (90.4%), nipple discharge (61.6%), redness of the skin surrounding the breast (24.4%), and skin thickening (16.0%). More than half of the participants were diagnosed with stage III disease (59.2%), while 20.0% were diagnosed with stage IV disease. Conclusion: The findings indicate that excess body weight and family history were prominent reported risk factors, while painless breast lumps and nipple discharge were common presenting symptoms. The high proportion of advanced-stage diagnoses highlights the importance of timely recognition and assessment of breast changes.