Breast Cancer Knowledge Scores Research Articles

The impact of an online educational game on breast cancer awareness among university female students, Malaysia: a pilot study

BackgroundBreast cancer is one of the world’s most prevalent cancer and the most common type of cancer in Malaysia. Interestingly, breast cancer in young women is more aggressive compared to older women and the survival rate among these groups of individuals is poor. Thus, breast cancer awareness is essential among young women as early detection is possible and treatment will be effective during which the disease is curable. Hence, the purpose of this study is to design and evaluate the impact of an educational game on breast cancer awareness among female university students in Malaysia.MethodsThis is a one-group pre-and post-intervention pilot study. It was conducted in Private and public higher education institutions around Malaysia. An online education game was created and used as the intervention. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to the participants during the pre-and post-intervention test to evaluate the online educational game on breast cancer awareness.ResultsA total of 52 responses were collected. The mean age of the participants was 21.98 (SD = 1.896) years. The findings showed a statistically significant median increase (p < 0.05) in breast cancer knowledge scores among participants in the post-intervention. A median increase in breast cancer knowledge score of 6 was shown when participants were exposed to the online education game (24.00) compared to before they were exposed to it (17.00).ConclusionUsing online educational games effectively raised awareness of breast cancer among university students. Online games can be used as a health educational tool to promote awareness of a topic of interest, as digital games can be accessed easily, game content can be tailored made or updated, and improve participant engagement in learning.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Associated Factors among Women in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

Breast cancer is a highly prevalent cancer in females worldwide, with new cases around one million every year. In Pakistan, cancer of breast is the most common carcinoma in diagnosis, with one in nine females. Due to high burden of breast cancer in Pakistan, presented work purposes to investigate knowledge and awareness of breast carcinoma, its symptoms, and risk factors among Pakistani women, which play an important part in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. A sample of 1000 females were approached generally from universities, hospitals, public places, local markets, rural areas and other cities for on-site data collection through face-to-face interviews and online data collection through telephonic interviews in Pakistan using the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM). By using SPSS V. 25.0, the information provided by the individuals first changed in awareness scores and was then analyzed. The study displayed, that mainstream participants lacked knowledge of breast carcinoma (63.2%) and the importance of its screening tools (64.7% and 83.2% lacked knowledge of mammography and BRCA tests respectively) for early detection. Almost 45% of respondents never noticed a change in their breasts. Most participants were unaware about breast cancer development is age-related and lifetime risk. Slightly more than 50% of the participants of the study were not knowledgeable regarding modifiable risk factors of breast carcinoma. A commonly known symptom was Breast lump by 53% of the respondents. Association was determined between demographic variables and breast cancer knowledge scores. Only 37.4% of respondents were found to be knowledgeable regarding breast cancer. BCAM is a productive instrument to assess awareness of breast carcinoma in females. The study indicated awareness of breast cancer is suboptimal in the population of Pakistan. Efforts should be made by public awareness campaigns and broadcasting of information about breast cancer and health education to increase awareness of risk factors.

Breast self-examination practices among young rural women and its associated knowledge and attitudes in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple and cost-effective screening procedure in downstaging breast tumors. To assess the BSE practices and its associated knowledge and attitudes of rural women from Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, and snowball sampling was used to recruit the sample of rural women from Tirunelveli. Women ages 18-60 willing to take part were included. Data were collected online through a self-developed questionnaire. Responses were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present the general details and responses of the rural women through percentages. Using the appropriate tests, the mean differences of the BSE attitudes based on the personal variables were computed using one-way ANOVA. A total of 433 rural women (Mean age: 29.20 ± 9.35 years) from Tirunelveli responded to the online Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. Regular health checkups were undergone by 27.48% of women and 9.24% underwent breast cancer (BC) screening in the past. While 68.36% had heard of BC, 61% knew it could be detected in the early stages. Insufficient knowledge regarding BSE techniques was evident among the women. Knowledge about BC was highest among those earning more than 20,001 INR, women aged 36-45, widowed/separated/divorced women, and diploma graduates. Overall, BSE and BC knowledge score was low, with correspondingly low attitudes and practices. Findings showed the KAP among rural Tirunelveli women to be low.

Assessing the knowledge, attitudes and barriers regarding health promotion of breast cancer among community pharmacists.

This study aimed to identify the perspective knowledge, attitudes, and barriers of community pharmacists in promoting breast cancer health. An internet-based self-administrated questionnaire was distributed using social media groups to the community pharmacists in Jordan. A 76.7% of the pharmacists had insufficient knowledge score of breast cancer and 92.7% had positive attitude. Access to breast cancer educational materials was the major barrier to pharmacists. A significant association was found between pharmacists' knowledge and breast cancer educational materials being given to patients (p<0.001). Despite the low breast cancer knowledge score and stated barriers that could prevent actualizing community pharmacists' role, they had positive attitude toward educating patients about breast cancer health.

Breast cancer knowledge and screening behaviors of female teachers: A cross-sectional survey in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.

Breast cancer is the second commonest cause of cancer-related deaths in Saudi Arabia. However, several women bypass early discovery and management possibilities. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the governmental secondary girls' schools in Buraydah city, Saudi Arabia, during the period from August 2019 to January 2020. The data were collected using a valid pretested structured self-administered questionnaire. The study included 316 female teachers. The total breast cancer knowledge score was abnormally distributed, as evidenced by significant Shapiro-Wilk test, P < 0.001. The mean ± SD score was 10.66 ± 3.73 (maximum possible score: 15) and the median (IQR) was 11 (8-13). Less than half (42.7%) of the teachers reported performing breast self-examination (BSE (while only 9.5% went to a clinic for clinical breast examination. BSE was performed on monthly basis by only 14.8% of those practiced it. Ignorance of the examination and fear to discover a tumor were mentioned by 24.9% for each as a reason for not performing BSE, whereas 42.5% of those who did not practice it had no definite reason. Mammogram was ever practiced by 22.5% of the female teachers. Older teachers (40-50) reported higher rates of performing mammogram compared to those aged <40, P = 0.012. Also, teachers who had friends with breast cancer were practiced mammogram at higher rate than their counterparts, P = 0.025. The breast cancer knowledge is overall insufficient regarding risk factors and clinical presentation. Improving knowledge regarding risk factors, presentation, and screening tools as BSE and mammogram through educational programs is highly recommended.

Awareness, attitudes and practices of women in relation to breast cancer in Niger

IntroductionIn Niger, breast cancer is the first cancer related morbidity and mortality within female population. While awareness can contribute to early diagnosis and disease mortality reduction, Niger women's knowledge of breast cancer is not well documented. In this study, we assessed the awareness, attitudes and practices of women in relation to breast cancer and identify the factors associated with it. MethodsThe study was conducted through a cross sectional survey in Zinder and Niamey regions. A random sampling was used to select women in households within health districts. We defined a breast cancer knowledge score and used a generalized linear model to assess factors associated with it. ResultsOverall women's knowledge of breast cancer was found to be low, only 41.2% (37.5–45.0) were aware of breast cancer. 65.0% (61.3–68.7) of women demonstrated an awareness of symptoms. Insufficient level of knowledge was observed on knowledge of risk and protection factors with 27.4 % (24.0–31.0), breast cancer good practice with 16.9% (14.2–19.7). Age OR = 0.98 (0.96–0.99), practicing clinical breast examination OR = 2.25 (1.31–3.16), breastfeeding 3.34 (2.12–5.26), not having a history of participation in breast cancer screening and living in rural and peri-urban areas were found to be associated with awareness of breast cancer. ConclusionNiger women were found to have a relatively low level of breast cancer awareness. While not acquainted with self and clinical breast examination, Niger women knowledge of breast cancer symptoms was acceptable. Awareness programs can promote clinical breast examination as mammography is not common and promote early detection procedures.

Assessing the level of breast cancer awareness among recently diagnosed patients in Ain Shams University Hospital

Breast cancer is the leading female malignancy among Egyptian women. The majority of Egyptian breast cancer patients present at late stages of the disease with a large tumor size compared to Western countries. Low breast cancer awareness, social and cultural factors were suggested to play crucial role in late presentation of breast cancer among Egyptians. The aim of our present study is to establish a questionnaire-based survey that can assess levels of breast cancer awareness among Egyptians. Patients enrolled were interviewed and answered 60 questions related to knowledge, symptoms, risk factors, prevention and management options of breast cancer. We evaluated our interactions with breast cancer patients and defined the level of awareness gained from education and culture of Egyptian women. Our results described that Egyptian breast cancer patients lack knowledge about their illness and condition. The lowest levels of awareness were related to age, education and culture. We concluded that breast cancer public awareness and women education programs covering factors identified in our study is warranted among Egyptian population.Overview ObjectiveTo assess breast cancer awareness among recently diagnosed breast cancer Egyptian patients. Subjects and methodsAmong 289 interviewed breast cancer patients we enrolled 45 patients who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. Participants were asked to answer a validated 60-item questionnaire that inquires about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, general management and willingness to participate in awareness campaigns. The average of interview time was about 45 min, depending on patient's age and education level. ResultsThe mean age of included patients was 48.2 ± 10.19 years. Geographical distribution revealed that 66.7% patients were from Cairo and the rest were from other governorates, including Aswan, Sharqia, Mansora, Qena, Kalyobia, Elminya and Sohag. Among interviewed patients 85% were non-working housewives, 42.2% of them were illiterate. Questions about knowledge of breast cancer revealed that 53.33% of patients knew an acquaintance with breast cancer; however, they spent a median time of 3 months to seek medical advice after recognizing the first symptom with a delay range between a month and 72 months. We found that 73% of the participants presented to a physician with the same first recognized symptom and 75.6% didn't think of cancer then as a possible diagnosis. Total breast cancer knowledge scores had an average of 13.3 (out of 35 knowledge points), with 93% of the patients recognizing “painless breast mass” as a breast cancer symptom and 44% only recognized the concept of breast self examination. Interestingly, 61.4% identified breastfeeding as a risk factor for breast cancer, 60% did not recognize mammography as an early detection method, and 57.7% agreed that clinical breast examination (CBE) is important for early detection. Regarding management, 75% said breast cancer was potentially curable and 60% said medical care could be helpful regardless the age of presentation. ConclusionEgyptian breast cancer patients knew little about their condition. Less awareness was related to age and education level. Low knowledge of risk factors, early detection and management of breast cancer should be addressed by designing patient education programs, where less educated patients are supported by health care professionals to participate in the management of breast cancer. Moreover, we found that 67% and 97% of enrolled breast cancer patients were willing as well to participate in spreading awareness among their community and among their own families, respectively.

Risk perceptions in localized breast cancer (BC).

9534 Background: Risk perceptions (RP) play an important role in decision making in localized BC. Little is known about RP in the context of adjuvant (adj) therapy decisions. We examined the accuracy of estimate of absolute benefit of adj therapy among patients (pts) with localized BC and sought to identify determinants of accurate RP. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in localized (Stage I-III) BC pts within 3 months after surgery at 4 U.S. cancer centers. Pts completed the Decision Quality Instrument, which includes items on BC knowledge, numerical estimates of benefit of adj therapy, and communication with providers. We analyzed pts with Stage I/II and calculated objective estimates of benefit of adj therapy using Adjuvant! Online. Based on published data, an estimate that was +/- 5% of the calculated risk was considered correct. We used multivariable (MV) regression to identify determinants of accuracy including tumor stage, age, adj treatment, education, total knowledge score, and decision involvement. Results: 192/249 (77.1%) pts completed the survey; analyses were limited to 166 pts stage I/II with complete risk estimate data. Mean age was 56.4 years (SD 12.1), 83% of respondents were white, and 58.5% were college graduates. 56.3% had stage I and 43.7% had stage II disease. Most (95.6%) had some type of adj therapy, either endocrine therapy only (43.2%), chemotherapy only (15.3%), or both (32%). On average, pts estimated the absolute benefit of adj therapy to be 31.8% (SD24.9), and this varied by stage (28.4 and 35.9 for stage I and II, p=0.06). The overall estimate for this sample from Adjuvant! Online was 11.8% (SD 7.67) and this varied by stage (8.6/16.0 for stage I/II respectively, p&lt;0.001). Few pts (18.1%) had accurate estimates and the majority (68.3%) overestimated the benefit. In MV logistic regression analysis, only BC knowledge score was associated with accurate estimate of benefit (OR 1.36 95%CI 1.04, 1.8). No other factors were significantly associated with accuracy. Conclusions: Pts with localized BC overestimated the absolute benefit of adj therapy by an average of 20 percentage points. Some pts may be taking on risks of adj therapy without accurate knowledge of the benefits, calling into question whether these decisions are truly informed.

Abstract 5510: Assessing the level of breast cancer awareness among recently diagnosed patients in Ain Shams University Hospital

Abstract Introduction: 97% of Egyptian breast cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stage, 70.6% possess positive lymph node metastasis on diagnosis while only 29.4% are free of metastasis reflecting late presentation of Egyptian patients. PURPOSE: Assess the level of knowledge about breast cancer among recently diagnosed breast cancer patients at Ain Shams University Hospitals. METHODS: In a cross-sectional, analytical observational study, we randomly enrolled 289 breast cancer patients with 45 of them who were recently diagnosed at Ain Shams University Hospitals meeting our inclusion criteria.Recurring patients or those unaware of diagnosis were excluded. Patients were interviewed using a specially designed questionnaire -of 75 questions over 60 minutes. Questionnaire gathered socio-demographic information, maternity history and tested knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms, screening options, management and prognosis of breast cancer was tested. Data was correlated to TNM staging. RESULTS: Patients’ age ranged between 30-72 years (mean 48±10.19). 40% were illiterate and only 15.6% finished higher education with 6-month average delay in seeking medical attention. Among the 45, TNM staging was assessed in 19 patients. Although 93% knew painless mass was symptom of breast cancer, 69% presented with painless mass and 47% knew someone with breast cancer prior to diagnosis, yet 24% thought they might have breast cancer. Regarding regular clinical breast exam 58% agreed to have it but 60% didn't know what was mammography, 56% didn't hear about breast self-exam and only 22% knew breast cancer had risk factors. Moreover, 58% thought treatment caused patients to be very ill, 29% thought breast cancer had good survival, yet 75% thought breast cancer is curable. Total breast cancer knowledge scores were low, with a median of 13 (out of 35) and mean of 12.64 ±5.12. CONCLUSIONS: Patients had acceptable awareness about breast cancer symptoms yet displayed gross ignorance about risk factors and poor awareness about screening, management and prognosis, correlating with their advanced TNM score. Therefore, raising breast cancer awareness and promoting education and early detection among our community is important. 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 5510. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5510

A Comparison of Two Educational Methods on Immigrant Latinas Breast Cancer Knowledge and Screening Behaviors

Underutilization of screening mammography by Latinas continues unabated and may contribute to disparities in disease-free survival and mortality. Comparison of two discussion group-centered educational interventions at enhancing breast cancer knowledge, breast self-exams (BSE), and screening mammography. Pre-test post-test study design. Two cohorts of 200 Latinas each participated in survey screening and discussion groups at baseline. One cohort also viewed an animated video and had BSE training. Breast cancer knowledge, self-reported BSE and mammography history were measured at baseline and three months post-intervention. Breast cancer knowledge scores were good for both groups at baseline, and significantly increased at three month follow-up for both groups (p<.05) but no significant difference was observed between groups at baseline or post-intervention. Community-based discussion groups are a cost-effective method for improving breast cancer knowledge and promoting screening behaviors.

Breast cancer awareness and practice of breast self examination among primary health care nurses: influencing factors and effects of an in‐service education

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.

Factors influencing black women??s breast self-examination practice

This descriptive correlational study of 95 black women was designed to investigate breast self-examination (BSE) practice and examine the relationship among the frequency of BSE and health locus of control, breast cancer knowledge and demographic factors. Results showed that the majority of women (67%) failed to follow the American Cancer Society recommendations and reported practicing BSE less frequently than every month. Over one-third of the women (35%) reported BSE practice less than every 6 months. Statistically significant associations were found between the frequency of breast self-examination and the variables age, prior experience with breast disease, and powerful other locus of control. The frequency of BSE practice was found to be age related with older women in the sample practicing BSE more frequently than the younger women (chi 24df = 12.81, p less than 0.01). Women without prior exposure to breast disease tended to practice BSE least frequently (chi 2 = 12.04, p less than 0.01). Belief that health professionals control a person's health, powerful other health locus of control, was strongest in women who practiced BSE least frequently (H = 9.43, p = 0.01). Breast cancer knowledge scores were found to be uniformly low with women answering only 57% of the questions accurately. Nurses can use this knowledge to develop interventions that promote BSE practice. Strategies are suggested for strengthening factors associated with practicing BSE.