A Community-Based Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination and Prevalence of Breast Disease in Southwest Cameroon.

ABSTRACT:
 Background: Breast self examination (BSE) is a fairly reliable procedure for early detection of breast cancer especially in limited resource countries where access to and availability of mammography is inadequate. BSE helps women to be familiar with their breasts and increases awareness of breast cancer and breast cancer screening modalities like Clinical breast examination (CBE) and Mammography. This study aims at testing the knowledge base of our female tertiary students on breast cancer in addition to knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE.
 Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study based on self-administered pre-tested questionnaire on the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Breast self examination (BSE) among females of a tertiary institution. Data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.
 Results: A 284 female student with mean age of 20.8±3.3 years participated in the study. 98.6% have heard of breast cancer, with media and books being the commonest source of information. Only 60.0% of the participants had been taught BSE, with commonest source of teaching being teachers and parents. Above half of the participants (55.6%) practiced BSE with only 8.1% ever discovered abnormality. There was significant association between practice of BSE and being taught BSE or hearing about BSE (p < 0.001).
 Conclusion: The knowledge of breast self examination among the study participants acquired largely through books and media though very high but the level of practice is still very low. There is significant association between knowledge and teaching of BSE with the practice of BSE.

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) represents an important cause of cancer death, its incidence rate has been rising gradually in the Arab world, and in Syria, BC is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death; its prognosis gets better as we detect it early in its first stages. So, it is very important to implement one or more early detection methods such as Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), and mammography. BSE represents an effective method to find out changes in breast structure when they happen. This study investigates the knowledge of BSE and its practice in BC patients.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional study in Al-Bairouni hospital in Damascus-Syria was carried out using face-to-face interviews based on a structured questionnaire, which consisted of 4 sections. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using various analytical tests, including the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Chi-square test.ResultsFive hundred patients were interviewed. Only 27.4% of patients had a good knowledge of BSE, 17.4% had average knowledge, and 55.2% had low knowledge of BSE. The factors that have an impact on the knowledge of BSE were: family breast cancer history (first and second-degree relatives), education, and the region of living (between governorates). The effect of knowledge of BSE on its practice was positive. However, only 24.8% of patients have been practicing BSE; the reasons for not practicing BSE were: no one has told the patient about it (64.8% of cases), and the patient does not have any symptoms relating to the breast (21.4%).Breast cancer was identified through breast self-examination (BSE) in 15.6% of cases.ConclusionThere is a low degree of knowledge and little practice of BSE among Syrian breast cancer patients. Family breast cancer history, governate, occupation, and level of education had a statistically significant effect on knowledge scores of BSE, unlike age and social status. So, some steps should be taken to increase awareness about BSE among Syrian females.

BACKGROUNDWe conducted this study to assess knowledge of breast cancer and sources of information about breast cancer among women in Riyadh. We also analyzed whether associations existed between demographic variables, knowledge of breast cancer, and the practice of breast self-examination and use of mammography screening.METHODSWomen interested in participating in this community-based descriptive study provided data by completing a pre-tested structured questionnaire.RESULTSOf 864 participating women, 84% were Saudi, 45% were married and 67.8% had a university level education. Eighty percent were between the ages of 20 to 50 years. Knowledge of breast self examination (BSE) was high; 82% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 79.2%–84.4%) knew about BSE, while 61% (95% CI: 57.9%–64.5%) knew about mammography, but only 41.2% (95% CI, 37.9%–44.5%) had performed BSE and 18.2% (95%CI, 15.5%–20.8%) had had mammography screening. Knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors and protective factors for breast cancer was moderate. There was a statistically significant association between the demographic characteristics (marital status, educational status and family history of breast cancer) and knowledge and practice of BSE and mammography.CONCLUSIONThough it has limitations, this study revealed an imbalance between the knowledge and practice of BSE among women. It also showed that there is only moderate knowledge of risk and protective factors for breast cancer and that knowledge and practice of BSE and mammograms vary according to marital and educational status. Hence, frequent community-based awareness programs are needed so that all women can know and practice BSE, which in turn helps to prevent breast cancer.

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause for maternal mortality globally, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. The incidence is increasing specially in developing regions. Regular breast self-examination is one of the most cost-effective methods for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the level of knowledge and breast self-examination practice, and its associated factors among students in private universities at west Arsi zone, south east Ethiopia. Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April 1 to 30, 2018. A total of 355 undergraduate female students were participated in the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Binary and multivariate logistics regression analyses was applied using backward step wise method with p 0.25 criteria to enter and exit from the model respectively. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed and significance of all tests was determined at p ≤ 0.05. Results: From all participants 84(23.7%) were knowledgeable about breast self-examination and 148(41.7%) and 65(18.3%) of them have knowledge about sign and risk of breast cancer respectively. Only 112(31.5%) ever practiced breast self-examination, from those 79(22.3) of them practice breast self-examination monthly and most them started breast self-examination between age of 20-30 years. After adjusting for possible confounders; Field of study, knowledge of breast cancer risk and sign were significantly associated with knowledge of breast self-examination. Knowledge about breast self-examination and from constructs of health belief model perceived susceptibility and perceived barriers were significantly associated with breast self-examination practice. Conclusion: knowledge and practice of breast self-examination of undergraduate female students was low as a National guideline of Ethiopia FMOH that states all female age above 20 years should practice BSE. Therefore, the health sector should design strategies to improve female students’ knowledge and practice of breast self-examination.

Breast cancer is a major global health concern, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality among women. Early detection is essential for reducing breast cancer-related deaths, and breast self-examination (BSE) represents a simple and cost-effective preventive strategy. However, the practice of BSE among specific migrant populations remains insufficiently studied. This study evaluates the knowledge and practice of BSE among adult Nigerian women residing in Sunderland, United Kingdom. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to 126 Nigerian women aged 18 years and above residing in Sunderland, UK. The questionnaire evaluated participants' knowledge of BSE, frequency of practice, perceived barriers, and factors influencing adherence. Descriptive statistics, including percentages, and inferential analysis using chi-square tests were applied for data analysis. A substantial majority (88.10%) of respondents reported awareness of BSE, with health workers identified as the primary source of information. Participants also demonstrated a high level of BSE practice, with 40.48% performing it weekly. Additionally, a statistically significant association was found between knowledge and practice of BSE in breast cancer prevention among the study population (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the necessity of ongoing education regarding breast cancer prevention strategies. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to intensify awareness initiatives by providing Nigerian women with information on the optimal timing and techniques for performing BSE, thereby improving adherence and early detection outcomes.

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed and common cause of cancer death globally. Currently it is highly prevalent among women in Ethiopia. Breast cancer is fatal due to late presentation, limited resources, and lack of awareness of breast cancer early detection methods. Objective: This study is aimed to assess knowledge and practice of breast self-examination as an early detection method of breast malignancy and associated factors among female students at Wolkite University, southern Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based survey was conducted among 382 randomly selected female students in Wolkite University, Southern Ethiopia. The collected data were summarized and presented in a table and figure. Binary logistic regression (backward stepwise regression) model was fitted with Breast self-examination knowledge and practice and factor variables. Result: In this study the response rate was 100%. About 116(40.3%) female students had good Knowledge on Breast self-examination. While, 50(26.6%) had practiced breast self-examination. Respondents in the age range of 22-25 years (AOR=2.7; 95% CI; 1.21, 5.94), who grew up in rural areas (AOR=.47; 95% CI; .22, .99) and respondents who have got information from school (AOR=.22;95% CI;.10, .48) were predictors of breast self-examination knowledge, while respondents in the age range of 22-25 years (AOR=.02; 95% CI; .01, .22) and ≥ 26 years (AOR=.04; 95% CI; .002, .74), who are protestant in religion (AOR=5.9; 95% CI; 1.52, 23.28), who grew up in the urban area (AOR=3.26; 95% CI; 1.17, 9.05) and who have good knowledge on BSE (AOR=26.33% CI; 8.58, 80.80,) were predictors of breast self-examination practice. Conclusion: Breast self-examination knowledge and practice are vital to detect breast cancer early and take the necessary measure. age, years of study, source of information, and place of grew up are major predictors of BSE knowledge and age, religion, place of grew up and knowledge of breast self-examination were major BSE predictors.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide including Malaysia. Breast self-examination is recommended as a screening method for early detection of breast cancer. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among janitors at Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by using simple random sampling, a total of 74 female janitors were recruited into this study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire consisting sociodemographic characteristic and level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards breast self-examination. Among participants, 29% (n=22) have good knowledge regarding breast self-examination, 91.9% (n=68) have positive attitude and 51.4% (n=38) have high practice of breast self-examination. There was no significant association between knowledge of breast self-examination and practice of breast self-examination. The study shows attitude of breast self-examination have significant association between practices of breast self-examination. There was no association between socio-demographic characteristic and practice of breast self-examination. This study is crucial because it will provide healthcare professionals the early data, they need to design an effective public awareness campaign that could result in early diagnosis and treatment, which might improve survival among breast cancer patients.

Breast self-examination is a cheap and easy to practice method of detecting mad cells in the breast tissue, as early detection has been proven to increase the chance of survival. The study assessed the Breast Self-Examination (BSE) knowledge and practice among female undergraduates in Lagos State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among two hundred and thirty female undergraduates in Lagos State. The respondents were drawn from Lagos State University and the University of Lagos using a simple random sampling technique. A self-developed breast self-examination questionnaire (BSEQ) was used to elicit information on knowledge and practice of BSE among the participants. Chi-square test of association was used to test the association between the variables. The result of this study revealed that there was a significant association (χ2 =18.14, P-value = 0.234< 0.05) between knowledge of BSE and practice of BSE, but there exist no statistically significant association (χ2 = 15.10, P-value = 0.009˃0.05) between the age of the respondents and the practice of BSE. Family economic status does not have a significant association (χ2 = 13.15, P-value = 0.02˃0.05) with the practice of BSE. Also, the number of years spent in the school by the respondent does not have any significant association (χ2 = 6.33, P-value = 0.007˃0.05) with their practice of BSE. Having a close relative diagnosed with breast cancer encouraged (χ2 = 11.05, P-value = 0.114< 0.05) the practice of breast self-examination. This study concluded that awareness of BSE and practice was high among the respondents; however, only a minor proportion practiced BSE properly and regularly. Therefore, there is a wide gap between knowledge and proper practice of breast self-examination, hence there is a need for health educators to rise up to their responsibility as the town crier through strategic advocacy using the media and other available means.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0944/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Objective: In the past 20 years, breast cancer incidence in the world has a dramatic increase of 50-100%, which strongly supports the need for breast cancer prevention, and screening programs.The purpose of this study was to identify and investigate the knowledge and practice of breast self examination (BSE) with the influencing factors on the compliance of (BSE) among female nurses. Methods: A study was conducted between January and December 2002. Female nurses (80) from Prince Rashid Military Hospital constituted the study population. The questionnaire contained items on the demographic characteristics of the respondents, knowledge of breast cancer; attitudes toward BSE and questions regarding the practice of BSE. The analysis included descriptive statistics to examine the association between BSE and medical history, knowledge of BSE and attitudes toward BSE. Results: The results of the study indicated that 52% of the sample performs BSE. Approximately 30% of those who perform BSE said they learned information regarding BSE during their work experience. The significant relation was found between higher levels in work experience and BSE practice. Except for age, no significant relation was found between the socio-demographic factors and BSE practice. The sample showed strong belief in breast lump as a causing factor of breast cancer and had significant correlation with BSE practice. Conclusion: Positive correlations were found between nursing work experience and their practice in BSE as working nurses. Studies like these can enhance the knowledge regarding BSE among nurses and other medical professionals.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia, about one in 19 women being at risk. This study aimed to investigate knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE), as well as knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer amongst female adolescents in Malaysia. Subsequently, relationships between demographic characteristics and knowledge level of BSE, risk factors for breast cancer and BSE practice were assessed. A descriptive, cross sectional survey was conducted using a sample of 500 Malaysian adolescents from the age of 15 to 19 years. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather socio- demographic characteristics, knowledge of BSE, knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer and BSE practices. The findings of this study indicated that female adolescents in Malaysia demonstrated an inadequate knowledge level of BSE and risk factors for breast cancer. Only 27.8% of female adolescents performed BSE regularly. BSE practice, knowledge of BSE and knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer showed significant positive relationships. The study highlighted the importance of planning and implementing breast health education programs for female students in secondary schools in Malaysia. It will also provide the health care providers an avenue to stress on the importance of imparting breast health education to adolescents.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a recommended technique in medical science for early detection of breast cancer. It is a simple technique with no specific equipment and no cost implication. It has been shown to improve breast health awareness and thus detect potential abnormalities in the breast. It should be practiced by all women (or females known to be more at risk) from the moment the breast is developed.
 The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE in relation to breast cancer awareness among female staff in Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
 Methods: A simple random technique was used to select a total of 411 female staff from different departments of the hospital. The data were collected using structured pretested questionnaire. Descriptive statistical method and correlation method was employed to analyze the variables.
 Results: The findings of this study revealed that 369(89.8%) had knowledge of BSE. It also revealed that 210 (51.1%) about half of the total number practice BSE regularly. Majority of the respondents, 187 (45.5%) heard of BSE through awareness programme. There was a statistical significant association between knowledge of breast self- examination and its practice.
 Conclusion: The study revealed that majority of the respondents had knowledge of BSE but the practice of BSE was poor. Knowing when to perform, how to perform, position to perform and confidence of what to look for during BSE were seen as a major issue or objective determinant of successful examination, in this study.
 Therefore, there is need for intensified sensitization programmes to address knowledge and the practice of BSE among females in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

BackgroundYoung breast cancer patients have a lower rate of survival than old breast cancer patients due to being diagnosed at advanced stages. Breast self-examination makes women more "breast aware", which in turn may lead to an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge and practice of breast self-examination and to determine knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer among high school students.MethodsThis is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. It was conducted in a high school in Manisa, Turkey. The study sample included 718 female high school students. A socio-demographic characteristics data form, knowledge of breast self examination and risk factors for breast cancer form and breast self examination practice form were used to collect data.ResultsThe female high school students had insufficient knowledge about breast self-examination and a low percentage of students reported that they had performed breast self examination monthly. The most common reason for not doing breast self- examination was "not knowing how to perform breast self-examination" (98.5%). Most of the students had little knowledge of the risk factors for breast cancer. The most widely known risk factor by the students was personal history of breast cancer (68.7%). There was a significant relation between breast self-examination practice and age, school grade, knowledge about breast cancer and knowledge about breast self- examination.ConclusionThere is a need to increase knowledge of adolescent females about the risks of breast cancer and benefits of early detection. In fact, health care professionals can develop effective breast health care programs and help young women to acquire good health habits.

Teaching breast self-care as breast changes occur in the adolescent girl can influence positive behaviors such as performing breast self-examinations and seeking regular professional breast examinations. Health promotion behaviors often are taught in high school, but little research has been performed on teaching breast health in a high school setting. Therefore, this descriptive study aimed to identify the beliefs, knowledge, and practices of breast self-examination in adolescent girls. A pre- and posttest design was used to determine whether a teaching program would change beliefs, knowledge, and practices of breast self-examination. The results of this study demonstrate that a one-time intervention can be successful in increasing breast self-examination practice and the knowledge of breast self-examination and cancer in adolescents. Before the intervention, approximately 66% of students said they never examined their breasts, and only 3% performed breast self-examination monthly. In 1 month after teaching, these percentages changed appreciably, with 32% of students reporting that they never practiced breast self-examination and 23% reporting that they practiced breast self-examination monthly.

Background: Currently, Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women. Despite being second and first leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally and in Tanzania respectively, breast cancer is detected by using potentially recommended breast self- examination (BSE) as cornerstone of breast cancer early detection method. Objective: To determine awareness, knowledge, practice and barriers of BSE among women attending clinics at Majengo Health center in Moshi municipality, Kilimanjaro region. Methodology: Hospital based Cross-sectional descriptive study was used. Systemic randomly sampling technique was used to select participants. Respondents interviewed by using semi- structured questionnaire. Data processed and analyzed by using SPSS Version 20. Results: A total 300 urban women from Majengo health center were studied. Their age ranged from 20-56 with mean age of 28.82 years (SD+6.628). Majority 142(47.3%) have primary level of education and about 197(65.7%) were Self – employed. 95% of women heard about BSE, among them only 26(27%) had adequate awareness in which Mass media like Radio (36%) and Television (25%) were main source of information. 94% knew performing BSE and among them, only 31(33%) had adequate knowledge on performing Breast Self-Examination (BSE). 31% respondents practiced BSE and among them, only 25(26.6%) had regular practice. Lack of knowledge on performing BSE 179(59.7%) was the major Barrier in practicing BSE among respondents. Conclusion: This work reveals low level and incomplete awareness, knowledge and practice of BSE among women in Moshi municipality. Recommendation: Effective improvement of health Education covering knowledge and practice of Breast SelfExamination (BSE).

BackgroundBreast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, and it has poor prognosis if diagnosed at late stages. Common breast cancer detection methods include mammography, clinical breast exams (CBE), and breast self-examination (BSE). Breast self-examination is the most cost-effective strategy for early detection in low- and middle-income countries.ObjectiveTo evaluate the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination, along with associated factors, among women with breast cancer visiting Ali Abad Teaching Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2025.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 Afghan women aged 20–80 who were either currently or previously admitted to the Oncology department of Ali Abad Teaching Hospital for regular follow-ups or treatment. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire between January and February 2025. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the associations between BSE knowledge, BSE practice, and potential explanatory factors. Those that showed significant associations in the bivariate analyses were considered potential confounders and included in multivariable logistics regression analysis.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 42.9 ± 14.7. Majority of the participants were illiterate (83.8%) and unemployed (95.9%). Women with education of secondary level or higher were more likely to practice BSE than those who were illiterate (AOR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.06–12.76). Participants with good knowledge level were more likely to practice BSE than those who had a poor knowledge of BSE (AOR: 5.28, 95% CI: 2.45–12.48). In addition, women who had heard of BSE were more likely to practice it compared to those who had not (AOR: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.37–19.25).ConclusionsIn this study, education, knowledge score, and awareness of BSE (i.e., having heard of BSE) were selected as important predictors for practice of BSE via both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. While about 50% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of BSE, only 18% were practicing it, and among those who did, only about 30% were performing it at the right time and frequency. These findings highlight the importance of educational programs with an aim to increase breast cancer awareness among women in Afghanistan, and to promote breast self-examination as a low-cost, accessible tool for early detection – helping to alleviate cancer burden in the country.