Self-Efficacy of Breast Self-Examination among Female Adolescents

Abstract

Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s ability to perform a task confidently and successfully. Self-efficacy of breast self-examination is key to early detection of any abnormality that could lead to breast cancer. Evidence has shown a correlation between self-efficacy of breast self-examination and performance of breast self-examination. Self-efficacy of breast self-examination could be determined by performance accomplishments, vicarious experience (learning from people or observing breast self-examination being done), verbal persuasion (encouragement received from someone to perform breast self-examination), and physiological/emotional states (emotional reactions to performing breast self-examination). Female adolescents should be educated to acquire self-efficacy to perform breast self-examination since adolescence is a critical period for developing lifelong habits, attitudes, forming health-related lifestyles, and behaviours for the future. Breast self-examination performed monthly at the right time using the right techniques will aid in the early detection of breast cancer. Consistent breast self-examinations are the best protection in detecting early breast cancers.