Improving Breast Cancer Screening among Grenadian Women

Abstract

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Grenada. Although the age-standardized mortality rate for all cancer has been decreasing since 2000, the age standardized breast cancer mortality rate has been increasing overtime from 17.9 per 100,000 in 2000 to 37.82 per 100,000 in 2017. This suggests that improvements are needed in order to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate. The objective of this study is to identify several primary and secondary prevention strategies that can be used to improve breast cancer screening among Grenadian women.

Based on previous studies and interviews, three possible strategies for improving breast cancer screening among Grenadian women were evaluated: 1) maintaining the status quo 2) the use of effective and targeted health promotion and health education strategies to increase the public knowledge, awareness and recognition about the benefits of breast cancer screening and 3) the increased use of advanced tests and technology such as mammography to improve breast cancer screening. Upon analysis, we recommended only the second approach because it is the only strategy that fulfilled all three evaluation criteria which include the evidence-based, feasibility-based and ethics-based criteria.

Based on the evidence-based criteria, this strategy will most likely reduce the breast cancer mortality rate as it will result in more awareness about the benefits of breast cancer screening among Grenadian women. This strategy is also feasible and ethically justified because it can be achieved effectively through the aid of donations, volunteers, as well as forming partnerships with non-governmental organizations, schools and the media.