Common issues and challenges of breast cancer awareness in Malaysia: A contemporary Scenario

• Published in: Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
• Main Author: Sajahan M.S.; Omar A.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Putra Malaysia 2018
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85045519570&partnerID=40&md5=cc9d90575f2c9ae5395884fe61b03adb

The main purpose of the paper is to systematically review the common issues and challenges inhibiting breast cancer awareness in Malaysia. Drawing upon journals and database search dealing with breast cancer awareness in Malaysia, 38 articles were retrieved and then analysed using the content analysis method. Issues related to public health management of breast cancer pandemic in Malaysia, its effects and the fundamental principles used in developing and designing cancer control programmes, screening management as well as challenges faced by authorised agencies in promoting breast cancer awareness were studied. Methodology included identification of research streams, and the categorisation of reviewed articles into five main pillars, namely (a) thematic issue/problem statement in the articles; (b) target population; (c) applied methodologies; (d) measurement of dependent variables, and (e) findings that discuss the emerging issue and challenges in promoting breast cancer awareness in Malaysia. It is hoped that the knowledge gained will serve as a significant foundation in designing public health awareness campaigns to cultivate, instil early detection behaviour and ameliorate promotion efforts among public health authorities in Malaysia. © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press.