Background: Breast cancer remains the most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, including women of reproductive age. Early detection through Breast Self-Examination (BSE), locally known as SADARI, is a simple and cost-effective method, particularly relevant in low-resource settings. Knowledge about breast cancer is considered a key cognitive factor influencing women’s engagement in early detection behaviors. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge about breast cancer and Breast Self-Examination behavior among women of reproductive age in Kupang City, Indonesia. Methods: This study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The research was conducted in six districts of Kupang City from August to October 2025. The study population consisted of women aged 15–49 years. A total of 100 respondents were selected using proportional random sampling. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire measuring breast cancer knowledge and BSE behavior. Data analysis included univariate analysis and bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. Results: Most respondents demonstrated a moderate level of breast cancer knowledge (68.0%), followed by good (27.0%) and poor knowledge (5.0%). The majority of participants reported supportive BSE behavior (70.0%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between breast cancer knowledge and BSE behavior (Chi-square test, p = 0.031). Conclusion: There is a statistically significant relationship between breast cancer knowledge and Breast Self-Examination behavior among women of reproductive age in Kupang City. Higher levels of knowledge are associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in early detection practices through BSE. Strengthening educational interventions may improve early detection behaviors and contribute to breast cancer prevention efforts.

ABSTRACT Death-related messaging is frequently used to promote preventive health behaviors, yet its psychological effects remain mixed and culturally dependent. Drawing on the Terror Management Health Model (TMHM), this study tested how mortality reminders influence breast self-examination (BSE) intentions in a Chinese cultural context, focusing on the moderating roles of individual traits and message framing. Across three experiments, we examined: (1) whether health optimism moderates the impact of mortality salience on BSE intention; (2) whether objectified imagery (e.g. lemons as metaphors) increases willingness more than biologized depictions under mortality salience; and (3) whether sociocultural value – oriented messages (e.g. celebrity-endorsed) sustain BSE intentions longer than health value – oriented ones. Mortality cues increased BSE willingness among women with high health optimism but reduced it among those with low optimism. Objectified representations enhanced short-term willingness more than anatomically framed ones. Health value messaging was more effective immediately post-exposure, while sociocultural framing better sustained intentions over time. Findings support TMHM’s dual-defense framework and underscore the need to culturally adapt mortality-based health interventions. In the Chinese context – where body-related discourse remains sensitive – strategic message design and timing are critical to promoting preventive screening behaviors. These insights offer practical implications for designing culturally sensitive breast cancer campaigns that effectively motivate early screening behaviors.

Breast examination and mammography help in the detection of breast cancer and are valid in improving survival by reducing mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate women's knowledge of breast cancer screening in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies (PERSIAN) Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS) population. METHODSAND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 476 women aged 35-70 among the PGCS population. The demographic and clinical data of participants were collected through a questionnaire. Also, the Champion Health Belief Model Scale, including the perceived benefits of breast self-examination (six phrases), perceived barriers to breast self-examination (nine phrases), perceived benefits of mammography (six phrases), and perceived barriers to mammography (nine phrases), was used to collect the knowledge data. The variables of the questionnaire were assessed using the Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 by significant level < 0.05. Most of the research subjects were within the age of 45-55 years (35.9%) and most of them (64.9%) did not mention any history of prior mammography, but among those with positive history of mammography, most of them (55.1%) had done it without any problem and only based on recommendation. The average scores of benefits and barriers for breast self-examination among the participants were 9.9 ± 3.7 and 15.2 ± 4.6, respectively. Similarly, for mammography, the average scores were 9.9 ± 3.6 and 14.2 ± 4.7. In overall, factors including age 35-45 years, having insurance, higher education levels, having former visit of a doctor due to breast problem, family history of breast cancer in first degree relatives, and positive history of performing mammography were associated with better scores of perceived benefits and barriers in both breast self-examination and mammography (p ≤ 0.05). According to the barriers and benefits identified in this study, it is possible and also necessary to plan for breast cancer screening with organized regional educational plans. It is recommended to focus more on attracting older women to perform screening programs. It is also necessary to encourage doctors to refer women for mammography and support insurance organizations to provide screening services at a lower cost.

The Effect of an Artificial Intelligence- Supported Screen-Based Simulation on Breast Self-Examination in Nursing Students: A Sequential Mixed-Methods Study

ObjectiveThis work introduces MamoRef, an innovative whole-field, near infrared spectroscopy based device for adjunctive breast examination, aiming to help classify benign and malignant lesions in women. Utilizing low-power, non-ionizing red and near-infrared lasers, it provides metabolic information to aid physicians in characterizing lesions in BI-RADS II to IV patients, offering a non-invasive screening alternative.ApproachClinical studies were conducted, benchmarking MamoRef against conventional imaging and core biopsies. The device generates 2D maps of relative oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and oxygen saturation. NIRS-specialized professionals, with basic clinical training, independently scored MamoRef images using a 6-point scale analog to BI-RADS. Scores were averaged and normalized for biopsy comparison.Main resultsThe studied clinical cases show promising outcomes. For neoproliferative lesions, MamoRef images reveals high deoxygenated hemoglobin and diffuse high oxygenated/total hemoglobin, suggesting neovascularization around necrotic tissue. Preliminary receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.77. At a 0.6 threshold, MamoRef showed 70% accuracy and 74% specificity.SignificancePreliminary results suggest MamoRef can potentially differentiate benign from malignant lesions detected by standard imaging. Trained clinicians might detect and characterize lesions using these metabolic maps. Further larger-scale studies are needed to validate these findings and improve the technology, positioning MamoRef as a potential low-cost, accessible adjunctive screening tool.

Breast cancer is ranked the number one cancer among Indian women with a rate as high as 25.8 per 1, 00,000 women and mortality of 27.7 according to health ministry report 2017. Medical advances have shown that one third of all cancers are preventable and a further one third, if diagnosed sufficiently early, is potentially curable. This observation demands that cancer control should be of increasing priority in the health care programms of developing countries. One potentially important strategy in reducing breast cancer mortality is the use to achieve earlier detection of cancer. The main methods of screening involve mammography, clinical breast examination (CBE), and breast self examination (BSE). Despite the advent of modern screening methods, more than 90% of cases of cancers of the breast are detected by women themselves, stressing the importance of breast self examination. Planned teaching programm is one of the methods through which awareness can be created among women regarding early detection of breast cancer. This study was conducted to find the “Effectiveness of planned teaching programme on Knowledge of early detection of breast cancer among Anganwadi teachers in selected Anganwadi’s of Maharashtra.

Benign breast diseases: epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects in a university setting in Benin

Women living with HIV are more prone to develop cervical cancer since they have a compromised immune system; hence, they need to be screened continuously in an attempt to identify and prevent it. Despite Lesotho's high HIV prevalence (25.6%), cervical cancer screening coverage and its determinants among women living with HIV remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to quantify the rate and determinants of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV using the 2023/24 Lesotho DHS data. Cross-sectional analysis was performed using the Lesotho DHS Individual Women's Recode file. A weighted sample of 611 HIV-positive women aged 25years and older participated in the study, as this age group is eligible for cervical cancer screening. Individual and community-level factors were determined using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression. The level of significance was determined by the 95% confidence interval and a p value less than 0.05 for associations. The total prevalence of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV was 85.4%. Women aged 40-44years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53-11.18) and those who had a clinical breast exam (AOR 5.53; 95% CI 2.54-12.05) were more likely to undergo cervical cancer screening, whereas low parity (AOR 0.19; 95% CI 0.05-0.78) and rural residence (AOR 0.50; 95% CI 0.25-0.99) were associated with lower odds of screening. Adoption of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in Lesotho is high, with most screened women receiving normal results. Screening uptake varied by demographics, being higher among older women and those who had breast examinations, while lower among women with low parity and rural residents. Integration of breast and cervical cancer screening, rural outreach targeting, and health education for low-parity women can increase coverage and equity.

Background/Objectives: The iBreast Exam (iBE) electronically palpates the breast to identify possible abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to assess iBE feasibility and compare it to Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) for breast lesion detection. Methods: Prospective evaluation of 300 asymptomatic women, ≥18 years old, with CBE, iBE, and mammography was performed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of iBE and CBE for detecting suspicious breast lesions were calculated using breast imaging as the reference standard. For women with one year follow up, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for cancer detection were calculated. Results: 300 women (mean age 58.9 years) underwent CBE, iBE, and mammography. In 2/300 (0.7%), CBE was positive; in 1/300 (0.3%), iBE was positive; and in 24/300 (8%), screening mammograms were positive. Nine had suspicious imaging findings with biopsy (three malignant and six benign). Of three cancers, all visualized mammographically, CBE and iBE detected an ipsilateral breast abnormality in one woman and missed two cancers (<2 cm). Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of iBE and CBE were similar, with no statistically significant difference in NPV or PPV for detection of suspicious breast findings or breast cancer (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Mammography detected all breast cancers in our cohort and remains the standard of care. iBE is feasible to perform. Our pilot data demonstrates iBE performed similarly to CBE by trained nurse practitioners. Given our small study population, further investigation is warranted into the potential use of iBE where trained healthcare practitioners are not readily available.

Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy among women globally. During 1990s in India from being fourth in the list of most common cancer to becoming the first with early detection being key to reducing mortality. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a simple, cost-effective method that helps in identifying changes in the breast at an early stage. Among healthcare workers, especially women, awareness and regular practice of BSE are crucial as they serve as both role models and educators. This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Nagpur, India, to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices of BSE among females in the hospital.. A total of 360 female healthcare workers (clinical, pre-clinical, paraclinical, and office staff) were selected for this study through convenience sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. A total of 360 women aged between 18 to 60 years participated in the study. Among them, 19.72% reported a family history of cancer, and 9.17% had a personal history. While 86.9% had heard about BSE, only 56.4% knew the correct timing, and 49.2% practiced it monthly. Despite a high level of self-reported awareness, only 37.2% of participants had received formal training from healthcare staff, and only 63 women stated that they would seek medical consultation upon detecting abnormalities. Although no formal statistical correlation analysis was conducted between knowledge, attitude, and practice, the observed patterns indicate a disconnect between awareness and its consistent application in health-seeking behavior. Despite high awareness and favorable attitudes, significant gaps exist in accurate knowledge, proper technique, and clinical response. Targeted educational interventions focusing on BSE training, early detection, and reducing psychological barriers are essential to improve breast cancer outcomes among healthcare workers. International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 10 No. 01 Jan’26 Page: 53-60

BackgroundWomen in low-resource regions face a higher risk of breast cancer. Implementing a breast health initiative that promotes breast self-examination practice could aid in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer complications.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore and comprehend the experiences of high-risk women, focusing on their breast self-examination practice and the factors that influence their effectiveness in managing breast health.MethodsThis research used a qualitative approach to perform semistructured interviews with 11 high-risk women who had a family history of breast cancer recruited from the oncology department of a hospital using purposive and theoretical sampling during the period from August 2024 to April 2025. The analysis of the data was conducted using the grounded theory approach by Strauss and Corbin to formulate a theoretical model for breast self-examination practices.ResultsThis study highlighted breast health education as a motivator of and the core category for breast self-examination practice. This study found perceptual, attitudinal, and familial support drivers of breast self-examination practice for early diagnosis of breast cancer and better living.ConclusionsThis study enhances the body of knowledge regarding the experiences of high-risk women. Health care providers play a significant role in using this framework to steer innovative educational interventions that promote breast health in culture-bound communities.

BackgroundA weak referral system combined with limited diagnostic facilities is among the key systemic barriers to the early detection of breast cancer. Strengthening patient pathways is essential to improve follow-up and reduce delays in cancer diagnosis and care. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the DINKNESH referral and follow-up app, a digital, app-based patient referral system linking early detection of breast-related abnormalities at primary healthcare settings with diagnostic facilities in Ethiopia.MethodsA two-arm cluster randomised trial with an embedded qualitative study is being conducted at eight primary health facilities and affiliated satellite hospitals in Ethiopia. The study includes women aged ≥18 years presenting with breast abnormalities, as well as women aged ≥30 years with positive findings on clinical breast examination. In intervention cluster facilities, the referral process for further diagnosis is supported by the DINKNESH referral and follow-up app, which facilitates patient registration, data transfer, and reminder services. This is compared with the routine paper-based referral process in the control clusters. The primary outcome is the proportion of completed referrals. All outcome measures will be analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. A mixed-effects logistic regression model will be applied, adjusting for potential confounders and accounting for clustering at the facility level. At the end of the intervention period, qualitative interviews will be conducted using the RE-AIM framework to explore the acceptability, challenges, sustainability, and scalability of the intervention.DiscussionThis study will provide robust evidence on whether app-based referral systems for women with breast symptoms can improve follow-up and facilitate early breast cancer detection in low-resource settings such as Ethiopia. The findings will support the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative’s goal of diagnosing more than 60% of breast cancer cases at an early stage.Trial registrationPACTR202411893209747. Registered on 25 November 2024, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/

Knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among young women comes to general surgery clinic in shebin el kom teaching hospital

IntroductionBreast cancer remains a major cause of mortality among women in sub-Saharan Africa driven, in part, by low screening coverage. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of clinical breast examination (CBE) uptake among reproductive-aged women in Zambia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized data from 13,876 women aged 15–49 years who participated in the 2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). The outcome variable was derived from participants’ response to ‘ever having had a breast examination by a health care provider.’ Descriptive statistics and survey-weighted logistic regression analyses were conducted in Stata, with all estimates adjusted to account for the complex survey design used in the ZDHS. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.ResultsOverall, 13.3% (n = 1,845) of women reported ever receiving CBE. Among those screened, the majority were aged 30–39 years (35.4%), resided in urban areas (56.5%), had secondary level education (42.7%) and belonged to the richest wealth quintile (30.5%). Furthermore, only 17.8% of screened women had health insurance, and two-thirds (66.2%) had previously undergone cervical cancer screening. Higher education (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.08–2.32) and health insurance coverage (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.04–1.62) were positively associated with CBE uptake. Women who had visited a health facility in the previous 12 months (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.18–1.61) and those ever screened for cervical cancer (AOR = 5.95; 95% CI: 5.18–6.84) had significantly greater odds of receiving CBE, while women living with HIV were less likely to be screened (AOR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69–0.98). Regional variation was observed with women in Central (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.10–1.88), Copperbelt (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.12–1.78), Luapula (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.39–2.72), and Northwestern (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01–1.77) provinces having higher odds of CBE compared with those in Lusaka, while women in Eastern Province were less likely to receive CBE (AOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49–0.95).ConclusionThere is low utilization of CBE services among women aged 15–49 years in Zambia. Strategies which expand access and utilization of breast cancer screening services are warranted.

Breast US is an essential breast imaging tool that complements mammography and MRI. US is also often the primary imaging modality used to evaluate palpable breast masses and axillary lymph nodes and to guide percutaneous biopsy of breast masses and lymph nodes. Screening whole-breast US, with either handheld or automated technique, serves as a supplementary modality to screening mammography, particularly in women with dense breasts. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been adopted in US examinations to improve diagnostic accuracy and workflow. Analysis and quantification of background echotexture are emerging as a novel biomarker for breast cancer risk assessment. As US technology evolves and the scope of breast US widens, radiologists must understand the current and emerging US technology. They must also apply meticulous US scanning techniques to optimize image quality and ensure accurate diagnosis. This review provides a state-of-the-art summary of US technology and clinical applications as an adjuvant technique to mammography, MRI, and the clinical breast examination. The utility of breast US for screening, preoperative staging, and neoadjuvant treatment monitoring for breast cancer, breast intervention, and new techniques including AI, US tomography, optoacoustic imaging, and contrast-enhanced US will also be presented.

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women in Indonesia. The low level of knowledge among women of reproductive age (WRA) regarding breast cancer and the importance of early detection highlights the need for educational interventions such as health education. This study aims to analyze the effect of counseling on early detection of breast cancer on knowledge of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among women of reproductive age. Methods: This research used a quantitative pre-experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The population consisted of women of reproductive age in Klitih Hamlet, Randegansari Village, Driyorejo, Gresik. A total sample of 63 respondents was selected using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed descriptively and using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with the IBM SPSS software. Results: The findings showed that among 63 respondents, the Wilcoxon test yielded p &lt; 0.001 (p &lt; 0.05), indicating a significant difference between knowledge before and after counseling. A total of 61 respondents (96.8%) experienced an increase in knowledge, 2 respondents (3.2%) showed no change, and none showed a decrease. Overall, respondents’ knowledge prior to counseling was in the poor and fair categories, and improved to the good category after counseling. Conclusion: Counseling on early detection of breast cancer significantly improved the knowledge of women of reproductive age regarding how to perform BSE. Continuous health education is essential to enhance awareness and early detection capabilities for breast cancer within the community.

Introduction : Cancer is a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, which can invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs. Aim of the study : are to assess Structure Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Breast Self-Examination on Prevention of Breast Cancer among Higher Secondary School Girls of Selected Schools of Navsari District and find out the association between the pre-test level of Knowledge with selected demographic variable. Method : quantitative research approach with pre-experimental design was adopted for this study. A total 60 participants were selected by Non probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected by using demographic variables, knowledge questionnaire. Result : The result reveal that the calculated value of = 46.96 which is greater than the table value of t = 2.05. The mean value in posttest is higher than the pre test. Conclusion: the data shows that means value is higher in post test &amp; calculated t value is higher than the calculated value. Thus there is a significant effect of Structure Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Breast Self-Examination on Prevention of Breast Cancer among Higher Secondary School Girls.

Objective: The study aims to determine the risk factors and awareness of breast cancer among Syrian migrant women, who are a disadvantaged group. Methods: This descriptive study was completed with 400 women selected using the random sampling method. The data were collected with the Personal Information Form, the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure-Arabic, and the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Form. Percentage, mean, and median analyses, the Kruskal Wallis Test, and the Mann-Whitney U Test were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean age of the women participating in the study was found to be 41.85±8.67. 45.8% of the participants in the study had a high body mass index. It was determined that 95% of the Syrian migrant women did not have a mammogram, 92.8% did not perform a breast self-examination, and 68.5% did not know the early diagnosis methods of breast cancer. The total breast cancer risk of the women participating in the study was found to be 162.35 (50-675). This means that the risk of developing breast cancer in Syrian migrant women over the age of 18 is moderately high. The awareness level of the women participating in the study regarding breast cancer was found to be 8.1 (0-27). It was determined that the breast cancer screening awareness levels of Syrian immigrant women aged 41-50 were higher than those of women aged 30-40. It was also found that the higher the level of education of the participants, the higher their awareness levels regarding breast cancer symptoms. Conclusions: It was found that the awareness of breast cancer among the participants was low. In this context, training programs should be implemented for Syrian migrant women so that they can learn about breast cancer risks and their awareness can be increased.

Assessing the Intentions and Health Beliefs of Female College Students Towards Breast self-examination: Experience from a Local Higher Education Institution

Regression Analysis of Determinants of Breast Self-Examination and Practices Among Midwifery Students in a Teaching Hospital, Nigeria