Awareness and Practice of Breast Self-examination among Korean Women: Results from a Nationwide Survey

Bit-Na Yoo,Kui-Son Choi,Kyu-Won Jung,Jae-Kwan Jun

doi:10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.1.123

Bit-Na Yoo, Kui-Son Choi + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.1.123

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the current status of the awareness and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among Korean women. The study population was derived from the 2007 Korea National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), an annual cross-sectional survey that uses a nationally representative random sample to investigate cancer-screening rates and related factors. A total of 1,255 Korean women aged ≥ 30 years participated in this study. Of all participants, 88.0% reported that they had heard of BSE. The most common source of information on BSE was the media such as TV, radio and newspapers (87.0%). Recommendations from medical staff reached only 17.2%. The overall proportions of regular and irregular BSE were 13.2% and 16.1%, respectively. The main reason for not performing BSE was lack of knowledge about how to conduct the exam (31.7%). Despite a high level of awareness about BSE, only a small minority of women examine their breasts regularly in Korea.

Highlights

Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death among women worldwide, despite strong evidence that early detection saves lives (Parkin et al, 2002)
Materials and Methods: The study population was derived from the 2007 Korea National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), an annual cross-sectional survey that uses a nationally representative random sample to investigate cancer-screening rates and related factors
Several screening methods are available for breast cancer: breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death among women worldwide, despite strong evidence that early detection saves lives (Parkin et al, 2002). Breast cancer mortality has been consistently increasing in Korea (Jun et al, 2006). In 2008, an estimated 12,659 new cases were diagnosed, accounting for 7.1% of new cancer cases. To reduce breast cancer mortality, early detection programmes for breast cancer are very important. Two principal components of an early detection programme for breast cancer are education to promote early diagnosis and screening. Several screening methods are available for breast cancer: breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. A population-based breast cancer-screening programme with mammography was initiated in Korea in 1999. All Korean women aged ≥40 years should undergo mammography every other year (Oh et al, 2010)

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