Attitudes and Practices of Female Physicians Regarding Breast Cancer Screening in Primary Health Care Centers in Babylon Province

Background & Objective: Breast cancer is the leading cause of female cancer death in Iraq, where participation in screening is low despite awareness programs. Female primary care providers do promote breast cancer screening even with minimal training, time, and cultural limits. These challenges should be overcome to enhance screening and improve public health. This study was conducted with aim to examine the attitudes and behaviors of primary care female physicians regarding breast cancer screening. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 female physicians in Babylon Province, Iraq, at primary care centers from November 1 to December 1, 2024. We collected the three-part questionnaire, which included socio-demographics, attitudes, and habits, through personal interviews and Google forms. A 15-doctor pilot study clarified the questions. Results: In this study, 69% of female primary health care physicians had a "poor to average" attitude related to breast cancer screening, with statistical significance related to their age, experience, marital status, and number of pregnancies. Younger and single physicians who tend to have fewer pregnancies and less experience and had a better attitude and practice, showing a significant correlation between positive attitudes and better screening practices. MBChB physicians had better screening attitudes than family medicine specialists, and there was a need for targeted interventions to improve attitudes and practices. Conclusion: The current study found substantial differences in breast cancer screening attitudes and behaviours among female primary care providers. Younger, less experienced and single physicians and those with an MBChB had better screening attitudes. Targeted training and awareness initiatives can improve attitudes and practices.