Breast cancer screening uptake and barriers among women in Hue, Vietnam: A cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

e13530 Background: Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women in Vietnam, with almost 25,000 cases per year. However, there is limited data on breast cancer screening in Vietnam. We surveyed women in Hue, central Vietnam, to quantify screening uptake, knowledge, and modifiable barriers to breast cancer screening. Methods: We conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional survey of women in Hue, Vietnam, in 2025. The questionnaire assessed demographics, awareness of screening modalities, prior screening history (self-report), timing/location preferences, perceived benefits, barriers (personal and practical), and conditions that would increase willingness to screen. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses to identify factors associated with screening uptake were performed. Stepwise variable selection was implemented in R package MASS. Results: A total of 80 women participated in the survey, with the mean age of 53.3 years (range 40-71). Screening uptake was 46.2%. Only 13.8% (11/80) reported ever having mammography, while 37.5% (30/80) reported breast ultrasound. Knowledge gaps were prominent: 48.5% (38/80) reported never having heard of breast cancer screening methods; 25.0% (20/80) had heard of mammography. Most respondents believed screening helps detect cancer early (78.8%) and reduces mortality (67.5%), yet 36.2% felt screening is only needed when symptoms occur. The most common personal barrier was feeling healthy/no symptoms (55.0%), followed by fear of discovering cancer (8.8%) and never having heard about screening (8.8%). Practical barriers included high cost (15.0%), lack of time (10.0%), and lack of insurance coverage (5.0%). The most frequently endorsed facilitators were free/insurance-covered screening (82.5%), a physician reminder (52.5%), and availability at a nearby local health station (47.5%). In exploratory multivariable analysis, higher household income (≥11 million VND/month) and prior exposure to screening information were associated with higher odds of screening uptake. Conclusions: In this survey of women from Hue, Vietnam, fewer than half of women reported ever receiving breast cancer screening, and mammography uptake was low. Barriers were dominated by low perceived need in asymptomatic women, limited awareness, and cost/access constraints. Interventions combining education, insurance/financial support, and clinician-triggered reminders with more local availability may meaningfully increase screening uptake in central Vietnam.