Cultural Beliefs and Perceptions of Breast Cancer among Adolescent Girls in Semi-Urban Bangladesh: A School-Based Study

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and poses a growing public health burden in developing countries, including Bangladesh. Cultural stigma, limited awareness, and delayed recognition contribute to late diagnosis, particularly among younger females. This study examines cultural beliefs and perceptions of breast cancer among adolescent girls in semi-urban Bangladesh. Method A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls in semi-urban Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to May 2025. Four schools were randomly selected and 384 participants were recruited using stratified random sampling. Cultural beliefs about breast cancer were assessed using a modified 13-item Ferrans Cultural Beliefs Scale, translated into Bangla using a committee-based approach. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Result Cultural belief score is 7.38 ± 2.08, rooted misconceptions among participants. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher class of study was positively associated with cultural belief scores (β = 0.236, p = 0.037), while having a family history of breast cancer was strongly associated with lower cultural belief scores (β = −1.979, p < 0.001). Reliance on friends as a source of information significantly increased cultural belief scores (β = 1.358, p < 0.001). Parental education and average monthly family income were not significant predictors (p > 0.05). Conclusion Cultural beliefs about breast cancer are common among adolescent girls in semi-urban Bangladesh that underscoring the need for early, culturally sensitive school-based education.