# Transcultural Adaptation of the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure in a Rural Border Area of Greece

## TL;DR

This study adapts a breast cancer awareness questionnaire for Greek women in a rural area, finding gaps in knowledge about risk factors and screening.

## Contribution

The first transcultural adaptation of the BCAM tool for Greek women in a rural border area.

## Key findings

- Women were poorly informed about less common breast cancer signs and risk factors.
- Most women were confident in recognizing breast changes and seeking medical help.
- The adapted BCAM tool is reliable for assessing breast cancer awareness in Greek populations.

## Abstract

Background: Breast cancer awareness is a concept suggesting that awareness of signs and symptoms and early seeking of medical advice may decrease mortality, especially in limited resource settings.

Methods: A modified questionnaire based on the breast cancer awareness measure (BCAM) by Cancer Research UK was translated into Greek and used for the first time. Participants were women residing in a rural border area in Greece. For statistical analysis the χ2 goodness-of-fit and Cramer’s V test for categorical comparisons were used and Cronbach’s alpha for reliability analysis.

Results: In total, 110 women filled out and returned the questionnaire. Respondents appeared to be inappropriately informed regarding the less common warning signs of breast cancer, the most common age of breast cancer occurrence, the national screening program, and the less important risk factors of breast cancer. On the other hand, most women appeared to be confident in recognizing breast changes and seeking medical advice if needed.

Conclusions: The translated modified BCAM tool can be used to evaluate breast cancer awareness in Greek women. Future campaigns developed by policymakers should focus on improving breast cancer awareness, especially in socioeconomically deprived areas.