Breast cancer and mammography: knowledge, attitudes, practices and patient satisfaction post-mammography at the San Fernando General Hospital, Trinidad.

Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 314 Trinidadian women, 40 years and older, to ascertain their breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Those with higher education had greater knowledge of the benefits of early breast cancer detection (p < .01) and knew that an abnormal mammography result (p = .01) or recall (p < .01) was not necessarily indicative of breast cancer. Inaccurate beliefs particularly that breast compression causes cancer were more likely among those with the least education (p = .04). Obesity and alcohol were identified as risk factors by 29.3% and 12.4%, respectively. Over two-thirds (70%) of mammograms were primarily the doctor's decision. Over 90% of women were satisfied post-mammography, most (94.6%) with plans for future use. Some (15.6%) reported pain and 48.7% reported discomfort, with over 70% of these finding the examination less painful than anticipated. Targeted culturally sensitive awareness campaigns are needed. Clinicians must be sensitized to their importance in recommending mammography. Data on patient satisfaction and pain perception can be publicized to encourage women who are hesitant about mammography.