Abstract
According to the experience of the researcher, an oncology nurse, women living in the rural areas of Thulamela municipality in the Limpopo Province, have many different perceptions of breast cancer. Perceptions are based on previous disease experiences. As with previous illnesses, changes in the breast caused by breast cancer are self-managed and treated. When these women seek medical advice for breast cancer related problems, they already have advanced cancer. The purpose of the study was to investigate if women are knowledgeable of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, breast self-examination, as well as appropriate health care to take responsibility to prevent admission with advanced breast cancer. The research study was an exploratory and contextual survey. The sampling method was convenient (n=200). Data were gathered during a structured interview using a checklist. Data analysis was done by means of descriptive statistics. The results of the study indicated a low level of knowledge regarding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The average level of knowledge for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer was less than 10% (n=20). With regards to breast self-examination the results varied between 8.5% (n=17) and 13% (n=26). Biomedical medicine was the preferred treatment choice for the majority of the respondents. The study provided evidence that women were unable to take responsibility for their breast health. Their lack of knowledge of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and breast self-examination would not enable them to prevent presenting with advanced disease. A breast health care strategy for women living in Thulamela should be designed, implemented and evaluated to prevent presentation with advanced breast cancer.
Highlights
According to the experience o f the researcher, an oncology nurse, women living in the rural areas o f Thulamela municipality in the Limpopo Province, have many differ ent perceptions o f breast cancer
The results indicated that the Tsonga women are less knowledgeable about breast self-examination and signs and sym ptom s of breast cancer
The study provided evidence that women living in Thulamela municipal ity in the Limpopo Province were not in the position to perform breast selfcare and were unable to take responsibility for their own breast health
Summary
According to the experience o f the researcher, an oncology nurse, women living in the rural areas o f Thulamela municipality in the Limpopo Province, have many differ ent perceptions o f breast cancer. Changes in the breast caused by breast cancer are self-managed and treated When these women seek medical advice for breast cancer related problems, they already have advanced cancer. The purpose o f the study was to investigate if women are knowledgeable of the signs and symptoms o f breast cancer, breast self-examination, as well as appropriate health care to take responsibil ity to prevent admission with advanced breast cancer. The study provided evidence that women were unable to take responsibility for their breast health Their lack o f knowledge of the signs and symptoms o f breast cancer and breast self-examination would not enable them to prevent presenting with advanced disease. Some women accept the diagnosis and treatment with a fighting spirit, while others are af fected by both the emotional and cul tural meaning regarding the breasts
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