Impact of pharmacist-led educational services in promoting breast cancer awareness

The purposes of this study were to identify the level of breast cancer and breast self examination practice knowledge of primary health nurses and the factors influencing breast cancer and breast self examination knowledge as well as to investigate the frequency of breast self examination practice of primary health nurses and influencing factors and to evaluate the effects of an in-service training program about breast cancer and breast self examination practice for primary health nurses. An increased awareness among nurses about breast cancer prevention would most likely result in a higher number of better educated women about breast cancer and also motivate adherence to screening recommendations. A pre-test and post-test design was implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of a Breast Cancer and Breast Self Examination Education Program for primary health nurses. The program was instructed to 192 of the 215 primary health nurses by two nurse trainers. Pre- and post-tests made available a quantitative evaluation of the level of improvement in breast cancer and breast self-examination knowledge. Mean of total breast cancer knowledge score of primary health nurses prior to the program was 58.51 SD 15.63 whereas, it increased to 75.96 SD 9.53, revealing a statistically significant escalation (p < 0.0001). A significant increase was detected in the number of primary health nurses practising breast self examination as a result of the significant improvement in the mean of self breast self examination practice knowledge score which rose evidently from 71.09 SD 19.31 to 85.02 SD 12.92 (p < 0.0001). The in-service education program improved the knowledge about breast cancer and practice of breast self examination in trained primary health nurses. The program model, which involved trained primary health nurse also represented an efficient use of the resources. It is important that primary health nurses have adequate breast cancer knowledge and practice of breast self examination to contribute effectively to primary health care. Findings of this study can be used to guide the planning efforts on continuous education of primary health nurses about breast cancer and breast self examination issues.

IntroductionGlobally breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer with an estimated 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths in 2020. Late presentation is the hallmark of breast cancer in Ghana for which ignorance and fear are the major reasons fuelled largely by myths and misconceptions. Breast cancer awareness and education needs to start early to bring about a change in knowledge, attitude and practices. However, Breast cancer awareness activities in Ghana have usually targeted adult women.This study assessed the impact of breast cancer education among adolescent high school girls in Ghana.MethodologyA pre- post-test quasi experimental study was conducted at two senior high schools. A self-administered pre-educational questionnaire was followed by an educational intervention consisting of a drama, PowerPoint lecture, question and answer session and distribution of breast cancer information leaflets. After 3 months the same questionnaire was administered as a post-education test to assess the impact of the educational intervention. The total score for each domain was categorised into adequate knowledge > 50% and inadequate knowledge < 50%.ResultsThe number of participants in the pre-test and post-test were 1043 and 1274; the median ages [IQR] were 16.0 [15.0–17.0] for both the pre and post-test students. General knowledge on breast cancer at pre-education (29.1%) improved to 72.5% (p < 0.001). Knowledge on signs and symptoms improved from 33.1 to 55% (p < 0.001); knowledge on risk factors improved from 55.3 to 79.2% (p < 0.001), and knowledge on breast self-examination and screening improved from 9.8 to 22.2% (p < 0.001). The overall performance of the students improved from 17.2 to 59.4% (p < 0.001).ConclusionThere is inadequate knowledge about breast cancer and self-examination among senior high school girls in Ghana. Our breast cancer educational intervention was effective in improving general knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms and breast self-examination. The overall knowledge base improved from 17.2 to 59.4% 3 months post intervention, accompanied by an increase in the reported practice of breast self-examination and a greater belief that breast cancer is curable. This study has demonstrated the need for a school breast cancer educational program and that breast cancer education in high schools is effective.

Background: Breast cancer represents a considerable health burden and is a leading cause of mortality among women. Despite the availability of screening methods, many women remain unaware of their importance, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Increased awareness of breast cancer symptoms and screening modalities may improve early detection and ultimately reduce breast cancer mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness, practices, and attitudes regarding breast cancer and its screening methods in the general population, males and females, in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to collect data on personal information, medical and family history of breast cancer, participation in breast cancer awareness programs, knowledge of breast cancer and screening methods, and attitudes and practices related to breast cancer and breast self-examination. The questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms. Results: A total of 714 individuals completed the study questionnaire. The age range of the participants was 18 to 70 years, with a mean age of 29.9 ± 11.5 years. Among the participants, 60.1% were female. The most commonly reported risk factors for breast cancer were female sex (38.8%), smoking (35.8%), obesity (25.6%), consumption of fat-rich foods (23.9%), and alcohol intake (23.6%). The most widely recognized warning signs of breast cancer among participants were the presence of a hard, painless lump or nodule in the breast or armpit (79.7%), breast swelling (62%), and discharge from the breast (59.5%). Among female study participants in Saudi Arabia, 36.4% reported practicing breast self-examination (BSE). Conclusions: In conclusion, this study revealed that the participants demonstrated a low level of knowledge and awareness regarding breast cancer and its associated screening methods, particularly mammography. Furthermore, the practice of breast self-examination, which is especially important for women under 40 years of age, was below average, with only one out of every three female participants performing it. Educational programs and health campaigns are essential to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection to improve the rates of mortality and morbidity.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States among women. Each year approximately 200,000 new cases are reported and 40,000 women succumb to the disease. Early detection and treatment results in good prognosis and higher rates of patient survival; however, despite advanced methods of screening, breast cancer is often detected at an advanced stage when it has metastasized to other organs, particularly in younger, premenopausal patients who typically have a poor understanding of the disease. While educational activities meant to promote breast cancer awareness among women are conducted every year in the USA, especially during the month of October, previous studies show a widespread ignorance of the disease, in both the USA and in women around the world. At present there are no programs in place that specifically promote breast cancer awareness among high school and college students. Such programs would potentially engender the adoption and development of health habits likely to lead to early detection and treatment, including regular screenings and effective self-examination. The main goal of this study was to investigate breast cancer awareness among college and high school students. We used self-administered questionnaires to assess breast cancer perceptions and misconceptions, awareness of risk factors and understanding of breast self-examination. A total of 355 high school students and 132 college students in a Mid-Western area of the USA participated in the study. Our findings were in accordance with previous studies carried out in other regions of the world, showing that a high proportion of students at both high school and college level were largely ignorant of the risk factors associated with breast cancer. Furthermore, a number of misconceptions regarding the disease were common. Only 66% of female college students and 40% of female high school students reported having ever received information on breast self-examination. Interestingly, only half the students who had received instruction reported that they could perform breast self-examination with confidence. Most of the participants however, expressed an eagerness to have more information provided in schools. Consequently we strongly urge the adoption of more breast cancer awareness programs targeting college and high school students. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4460. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4460

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment remain the main effort to reduce breast cancer mortality. Breast self-examination (BSE), professional breast examination (PBE) and mammography are the most effective ways recommended worldwide to detect breast cancer at an early stage when chances of survival are the highest. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the awareness of breast cancer, awareness and practice of breast self-examination among rural women of Kwami Local Government Area in Gombe State, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 420 women was conducted. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data that were analyzed at the univariate, bivariate, and multivariate levels using SPSS version 23.0 and the p-value of 0.05 was set to be statistically significant. Results: The mean ±SD age of respondents was 37 ± 16.1 years. Only 59.3% of respondents were aware of breast cancer. Of all the participants studied, 83.5% knew about breast self-examination and only 13.7% practiced it. Age, religion, marital status, occupation, education level and tribe were found to have a statistically significant association with breast cancer awareness (p &lt;0.05). Awareness of breast self-examination had a statistically significant association with religion, marital status, occupation, and level of education (p&lt;0.05). Religion, marital status, occupation, level of education, awareness of breast cancer and awareness of breast self-examination had a statistically significant association with the practice of breast self-examination. After adjusting for the confounding effects of each significant variable using logistic regression analysis, religion, occupation, level of education, knowledge of breast cancer, and breast self-examination remained significant predictors of the practice of breast self-examination among respondents. Conclusion: The knowledge of breast cancer is low amongst the rural women. However, majority of the women were aware of breast self-examination, but only a few practiced it. Religion, occupation, level of education, awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination of the respondents were predictive of the practice of BSE.

The rising incidence of breast cancer (BC) in sub-Saharan Africa is aggravated by poor prognosis. Health education and several screening methods, including breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast-examination (CBE) and mammography, have been advanced to achieve early detection and reduction in its mortality rate. This study evaluated the level of awareness and knowledge of BC and BSE amongst female students and staff of six educational institutions in Ota, Southwest Nigeria. The participants, consisting of 917 (80.79%) students and 218 (19.21%) staff, aged between 13 and 60 years, were selected using a stratified random sampling technique and categorized into age groups [adolescents (13-19 years), young adults (21-40 years) and middle-aged adults (41-60 years)] and levels of education. Data was collected via questionnaires and analysed using Epi-info software and SPSS version 20. Frequencies, percentages, regression and correlation co-efficient were calculated and used to determine the levels of association between age groups and levels of education. Mean age of the participants was 21 ± 1.7 years; over 75% were adolescents. BC and BSE awareness was 94.80% and 65.11% respectively, with 7 (0.62%) having BC. The major sources of BC and BSE information were television, health workers and internet. The average BC knowledge score of the participants was 4.06 (40.57%); it was highest among young adults, 4.31 (43.07%), and least among the adolescents, 3.88 (38.78%). The same trend was observed for BSE practice among the age groups. There was a direct relationship between BC knowledge and levels of education; the postgraduates had the highest BC knowledge score of 4.49 (44.89%) while the secondary students had the least score of 3.82 (38.12%). Similar trend was observed for BSE practice and the levels of education. Paucity of BSE knowledge largely accounted for the low BSE practice among the adolescents and secondary students. The huge gap in BC knowledge and BSE practice underscores the need for a structured health education and screening programmes in Nigerian schools to enhance prevention and early detection of BC and other ailments. BSE is free, easy to perform, and able to detect BC at earlier stage. The practice should be encouraged alongside mammography to reduce the burden and mortality rate of BC in Nigeria.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and the level of awareness of women in Saudi Arabia regarding breast self-examination and breast cancer. Females must conduct breast self-examination regularly to observe any changes in their breast. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective research that was conducted using a survey that was adapted from previously published studies conducted in Jordan and Northeast Nigeria. The questionnaire was validated by content validation and by face validation, and after that, the survey was prepared online using online electronic forms. Results: Approximately 95% of the respondents said that they are aware of breast cancer, mainly by social media (53.62%). The main risk factor of breast cancer, as reported by females, was family history (50.98%) followed by radiation exposure (35.04%). Change in the shape or size of the breast is the most common symptoms of breast cancer (66.93%). Moreover, 62.2 % of females stated that they heard about the self-examination but did not practice it. Conclusion: Although the females reported that their knowledge about breast cancer and self-examination was good, the majority did not practice breast self-examination. It is recommended to increase females’ awareness of breast cancer and self-examination by workshops, community services activities, and lectures.

Background Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in women and a global health issue. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a recommended breast cancer screening technique that a woman can use on her own, in the privacy of her home. Hence, awareness regarding it and knowledge to identify any changes will be a boon to the early identification and promotion of treatment. This study aimed to increase awareness and educate women about breast self-examination (BSE) to facilitate the early detection of breast cancer in rural areas of Wardha District. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on rural women in Wardha district. Women older than 35 years of age will be included in the study and assessed using a ‘pre-designed’ and ‘pre-structured’ questionnaire inquiring about their socio-demographic profile, awareness of breast cancer, and breast self-examination. Research implications Most studies show how to self-examine breasts, but awareness and knowledge regarding the subject are not well demonstrated and applied in many studies. Although we now understand that women do not always need to use a specific BSE technique, they should still be taught and encouraged to recognize breast changes. BSE for early detection of breast cancer has undergone a paradigm change or development into breast awareness. The progression towards breast awareness is a concept where a woman is familiar with her breasts so that she detects any change that might emerge and brings this to the attention of her healthcare practitioner right away, whereas BSE is monthly palpation of the breasts in a specific manner in which women are professionally taught. Early detection of breast cancer relies heavily on breast awareness, which is why it should be covered in general breast health education.

Background:Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women in India and shows an increasing trend. The mammography screening seems unfeasible as a public health service in India. Thus, breast self-examination (BSE), followed by clinical breast examination (CBE), is the affordable method to downstage BC. A cross-sectional study was conducted with senior school and college-going girls in Shillong (Meghalaya) to study the impact of girls’ academic level and family income on breast cancer knowledge and the prevalence of BC’s known risk factors in girls. Methods:A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect relevant information. The data were analysed using statistical software SPSS version 22. The categorical data presented as frequency (%) and the comparison made using Chi-square or Fisher exact test. Results:(i) 78.2% girls knew about breast cancer, 19.2% of these were aware of BSE, and 22.9% of BSE knowing ever performed it (ii) Awareness of breast cancer and BSE, and its practice is significantly associated with their academic level and family income (iii) The consumption of alcohol beverages and physical activity of girls was positively associated with educational level and family income (iv) Body mass index (BMI) was weakly associated with family income with an insignificant relationship with academic level (v) oily food consumption related inversely with the level of education irrespective of family income (vi) there was a positive correlation between parents education and family income. Conclusions:The results show a severe lack of breast cancer knowledge in senior school and college-going girls under the survey. To spread community awareness, we suggest a public health policy-driven educational intervention through culturally relevant mass/social media on the risk factors of breast cancer and practice of BSE. It is also recommended that dedicated facilities be created for breast cancer early diagnosis in the public health system.

Background: Cancer is a global health problem, the mortality rate of breast cancer especially due to not being detected until an advanced stage, because of reluctance for undergoing early detection of breast cancer. Diagnosis of breast cancer at an early stage affords good opportunity for long-term survival. Effort has been made to decrease the number of deaths from breast cancer and the aim of this research for understanding factors related to the practice of breast self-examination (BSE). Method: This study was cross-sectional study and respondents in research were women work at Martapura Public Health Centre, with number of respondents being 168. Cluster sampling was used and the independent variables were age, job, education, experience, awareness of breast cancer, acquaintances ever having suffered from breast cancer, knowledge and BSE attitude, whereas the variable dependent in the research is BSE practice. Data were collected using questionnaire to obtain data on demographic, knowledge, attitude and practice. Results: Statistical results of the tests showed no significant relationship between age, job, education, experience, awareness of breast cancer, acquaintances ever having suffered from breast cancer and BSE practice; however, there was significant relationship between knowledge (p = 0.047), attitude of BSE (p = 0.004) and BSE practice. Conclusion: Factors that have a relationship with the BSE practice in women are knowledge and attitude toward BSE. Increased knowledge and attitudes are expected to increase one�s desire to do beneficial things such as practising BSE on time, in the right direction and in the right position. © 2018, Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. All rights reserved.

BackgroundIn low-income countries breast cancer awareness (BCA) is essential to reduce the proportion of advanced stage presentations of breast cancer. There is a lack of studies using multivariable techniques to explore factors related to BCA in low-income countries. The objective of this study was to identify to what extent women in Fiji and Kashmir, India have BCA and practice breast self-examination (BSE) as well as factors associated with BCA and BSE.MethodsA survey of women aged ≥18 years was conducted in Fiji and Kashmir, India to assess BCA and rates of BSE. Comparison between Fiji and Kashmir was done using student’s t-test for continuous data and chi-square for binary data. Factors associated with BCA and BSE were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression for Fiji and Kashmir separately.ResultsData were collected from 399 and 1982 women in Kashmir and Fiji, respectively. Of 1968 women in Fiji 57% were deemed to have an acceptable BCA compared to only 7.3% of 395 women in Kashmir. Having some education was associated with having BCA with an odds ratio of 4.7 (1.7–13) in Fiji and 10 (1.7–59) in Kashmir. Of 1976 women in Fiji 40% had tertiary education while 40% of 392 women in Kashmir had no education at all. The marital status was similar in both samples (n = 1973 and 395) with 68–69% being married and 21–26% being single. The lack of female doctors or nurses with whom to discuss issues, was perceived as a problem in both countries.ConclusionsThe key finding is an association between having any level of education and BCA. This correlation was much stronger than for a family history of breast cancer and BCA. Hence, general education to illiterate women may reduce the proportion of women in low-income countries presenting with advanced-stage breast cancer.

Background and Aims:Globally, breast cancer is one of the major public health problem. In Indian women, breast cancer is now the most common cancer, having recently overtaken cervical cancer in this respect. Breast Cancer though on the rise among Indian women, they still do not perceive themselves at risk. Poor awareness about the disease, its risk factors and the absence of population-based screening contribute to delayed diagnosis. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge and practice of breast cancer in general and breast self-examination (BSE) amongst urban accredited social health activist in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.Methods:The study was conducted in three phases: pre-intervention phase, intervention phase, and post-intervention phase during 2018. A total of 104 ASHA participants were included and awareness about breast cancer and practices of breast self-examination was assessed through interviewing two different groups at two points of time: Control and Intervention group at the base line and end line. Interventional breast health education was administrated through lectures, charts and silicon breast model for the basic knowledge of the breast cancer. The data had been analyzed by using software Epi info.Results:There was a significant improvement in knowledge regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination among the intervention group from pre- to post-test. An overall increase in the awareness of breast cancer 33%, Method of doing BSE of 54% and 42% of BSE practice was observed in the study group after intervention.Conclusion:A significant changes were observed in the knowledge. However, the behavior change requires reinforced training in regular interval.

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Early detection through awareness and screening can help lower death rates significantly. However, in many areas, especially rural ones, awareness and knowledge about breast cancer are still low, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Objectives This study aimed to assess the knowledge of breast cancer and its screening methods among adult women attending the OPD of a tertiary care hospital and to identify factors influencing this knowledge. Materials and Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adult women visiting the OPD of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected on socio-demographic details, awareness of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening methods using a semi-structured questionnaire administered by an interviewer. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis to find associations between different variables. Results The average age of the participants was 42.3 years. Around 68.3% of women had heard of breast cancer, but only 55.7% were aware of screening methods. Better awareness was significantly linked to having a family history of breast cancer and higher education levels. Despite this, only 17.8% of women had undergone any screening, and 96.7% had poor overall knowledge of breast cancer based on composite scoring. Conclusion The study reveals a large gap between awareness and knowledge regarding breast cancer and its screening methods. There is a need for focused efforts, especially for women with lower education and those from rural areas, to improve early detection and outcomes.

Background: The low breast cancer survivorship in India compared to developed countries has been found to be attributed to late detection. Breast self-examination (BSE) still remains a viable screening option among poor and marginalised communities. We conducted the present study to determine breast cancer awareness and practice of BSE and their determinants among urban underprivileged women.Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study in an urban underprivileged area in Bangalore city in early 2020, among women aged 25 years or more. Our sample size was estimated as 714 subjects. The interview schedule included Breast Cancer Awareness Measure We employed chi-square test for associations and logistic regression analysis for adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.Results: Out of the 751 women, 60.3% were not aware of any symptoms and 61.1% were not aware of any risk factors of breast cancer. Only 6% had heard of BSE and 3.4% reported performing BSE in the past year. The practice of BSE was found to be more prevalent among women who were aware of at least one symptom [OR=6.8(2.5-18.2), p <0.001] or one risk factor [OR=12.9(3.9- 43.6), p <0.001] of breast cancer and among those with past attendance at a breast cancer screening camp [OR=31.4(13.3-74.1),p <0.001].Conclusion: Poor awareness concerning breast cancer and woefully inadequate practice of BSE among urban underprivileged women highlights the requirement for targeted interventions in such communities. The importance of awareness of breast cancer as a precursor to practice BSE was evident in our study, which emphasizes the need for increased access to quality and credible health information. This study emphasizes the importance of community-based programming, like breast cancer screening camps, in order to improve practice of BSE.

Background: Regular practice of breast self- examination is the corner stone of the fight against breast cancer. Increasing breast health awareness would potentially allow for early detection of any anomalies and consequently result in early prognosis. This will in turn lead to increase in survival rate of breast cancer. This study was designed to assess practice of breast self- examination (BSE) among rural women. Methods: Descriptive survey design with the aid of a questionnaire which served as an interview schedule was conducted among 349 women in Umuowa Orlu L.G.A. The main outcome measures were the level of awareness and practice of BSE. Results: From a total of 349 women, a little above half (50%) of the respondents understood the meaning of BSE. Few of the respondents knew that BSE increases survival rate of breast cancer by early detection of abnormalities. Majority of the respondents did not know the abnormalities to check during BSE. Only a few of the respondents knew that BSE should be performed by every woman. Generally, the practice of BSE was inadequate for majority of the participants. There was a positive relationship between the respondents’ awareness of breast cancer and their practice of BSE (P-value = 0.000<0.05). Conclusions: The importance of BSE as a key factor in the early detection of breast cancer should be stressed with special emphasis on regular practice of BSE. The proper procedure of BSE should be taught to women in order to ensure accuracy of performance.