Digital Access, Transportation, and Women’s Empowerment in Breast Cancer Screening Uptake Among Cambodian Women: Analysis of the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2021-2022

The breast cancer cases are increasing, and it is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer cases in women in Cambodia. This study explores how access to digital tools, media exposure, transportation, travel time to health facilities, and autonomy in health decisions relate to breast cancer screening among Cambodian women aged 15 to 49. After excluding 204 women who were unaware of breast or cervical cancer screening, the final weighted sample comprised 19,292 participants. The outcome was whether a woman had ever received a breast examination from a healthcare provider. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess associations between screening and key factors, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Only 10.9% (95% CI: 9.7%–11.6%) of women had undergone a breast exam. Exposure to multiple forms of media was associated with a higher odd of screening (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.13–1.91). Phone ownership—whether a basic mobile phone (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03–1.78) or smartphone (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.03–1.82)—was also positively associated. In contrast, longer travel times of over 30 minutes (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39–0.78) and a lack of autonomy in healthcare decisions (AOR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52–0.94) were associated with reduced screening. Wealthier women had greater odds of being screened (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.40–2.48). The findings underscore the need to strengthen communication, improve access to care, and support women’s decision-making to increase screening rates in Cambodia.