Breast Examination Research Articles

Awareness regarding breast cancer amongst women in Pakistan: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common cause of cancer death in Pakistan. In 2019, Pakistan saw the highest global BCa-associated death rate. But do Pakistani women know about the various aspects of BCa? And how prevalent are BCa screening methods amongst Pakistani females? These questions formed the basis for our study. We conducted this review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. On September 1, 2023, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and performed a citation search to search for eligible studies published in 2010 or after, using the following terms: "breast cancer" and "Pakistan". Observational studies that evaluated BCa awareness and/or practice amongst Pakistani females who were not associated with medicine were eligible. We used the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool to assess the risk of bias. We conducted a proportion meta-analysis to calculate pooled prevalences for variables. Responses from 9766 Pakistani women across 18 included studies showed alarmingly low levels of BCa knowledge: risk factors, 42.7% (95% CI: 34.1%-51.4%); symptoms, 41.8% (95% CI: 26.2%-57.5%); diagnostic modalities, 36.3% (95% CI: 23.1%-49.4%); treatments, 46.6% (95% CI: 13.5%-79.8%). Prevalence of breast self-examination (BSE) and ever having undergone a clinical breast exam (CBE) was 28.7% (95% CI: 17.9%-39.6%) and 15.3% (95 CI: 11.2%-19.4%), respectively. BCa knowledge was significantly associated with better educational status, age, and socioeconomic status. On average, only two in five Pakistani women are aware of one or more risk factors, symptoms, or diagnostic modalities. Approximately one in two women know about possible BCa treatment. Less than one in three women practice regular BSE, and less than one in five women have ever undergone a CBE.

Evaluating the Role of Breast Ultrasound in Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Breast cancer, affecting both genders, but mostly females, exhibits shifting demographic patterns, with an increasing incidence in younger age groups. Early identification through mammography, clinical examinations, and breast self-exams enhances treatment efficacy, but challenges persist in low- and medium-income countries due to limited imaging resources. This review assesses the feasibility of employing breast ultrasound as the primary breast cancer screening method, particularly in resource-constrained regions. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this study examines 52 publications from the last five years. Breast ultrasound, distinct from mammography, offers advantages like radiation-free imaging, suitability for repeated screenings, and preference for younger populations. Real-time imaging and dense breast tissue evaluation enhance sensitivity, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, limitations include reduced specificity, operator dependence, and challenges in detecting microcalcifications. Automatic breast ultrasound (ABUS) addresses some issues but faces constraints like potential inaccuracies and limited microcalcification detection. The analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer screening, emphasizing international collaboration and addressing limitations, especially in resource-constrained settings. Despite advancements, notably with ABUS, the primary goal is to contribute insights for optimizing breast cancer screening globally, improving outcomes, and mitigating the impact of this debilitating disease.

Identify risk factors affecting participation of Turkish women in mammography screening for breast cancer prevention

PurposeCancer screening is a public health intervention aiming to reduce cancer-caused deaths. This study aims to determine the factors affecting the mammography screening time among women aged 40–69.MethodsThe micro dataset obtained from the Türkiye Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) in 2019 and 2022 was used in the present study. Stereotype logistic regression was used to determine the variables affecting mammography screening and period for breast cancer prevention in women in Türkiye.ResultsGiven the results achieved from the analysis, it was found that factors such as age, marital status, general health condition, comorbidity, receiving psychosocial support, high blood lipid levels, and performing breast self-examinations affected women’s adherence to cancer screening programs.ConclusionSince adherence to mammography increases with age, it is recommended to pay importance to education for women approaching the age of mammography screening. Educated individuals are expected to have access to multiple sources of information as to cancer and to access this information more easily. In order to gain more insight into the recommended preventive measures and outcomes related to cancer, it is suggested to review policies, which will increase the educational level of women, and provide privileges in the field of education.

Exploring the Landscape of Breast Cancer Prevention among Chinese Residents in Italy: An In-Depth Analysis of Screening Adherence, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Practices, the Role of Technological Tools, and Misconceptions Surrounding Risk Factors and Symptoms.

Breast cancer remains a significant health concern among women globally. Despite advancements in awareness and diagnostic techniques, it persists as a leading cause of death, with profound impacts on affected individuals' quality of life. Primary and secondary prevention, including regular screenings and practices like breast self-examination (BSE), are pivotal in ensuring early diagnosis. The national health system (NHS) in Italy offers screenings for women aged 50-69 every two years, managed by the local health authority. However, the participation rates, especially among the Chinese female population residing in Italy, are not well understood. Using a snowball method, we electronically disseminated a survey to investigate how Chinese women living in Italy engage with available NHS screening programs. The survey also explores their practice of BSE and the use and impact of technological tools on prevention. Furthermore, the study aims to understand the subjects' depth of knowledge and misconceptions about breast cancer. The data reveal a significant gap in breast cancer screening adherence and knowledge among Chinese women in Italy, with a notable discrepancy between the general population and those who have previously encountered cancer. The results highlight the urgent need for interventions that are culturally sensitive, stressing that these actions are not only desirable but essential.

Do we practice what we teach: assessing trauma-informed breast exams in breast surgery literature

Do we practice what we teach: assessing trauma-informed breast exams in breast surgery literature

The Relationship Between Knowledge And Attitudes Of Young Women Towards Self-Breast Examination (Sadari)

Breast cancer can attack anyone, especially women, women's attitudes and awareness regarding breast health are still not well developed so that most cancer cases are found at an advanced stage, when early stage healing is very easy, and can be done at home. Just a few minutes, once a month, to do a breast self-examination. The research aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of young women towards breast self-examination (BSE) at SMA Negeri 14 Medan City, North Sumatra Province in 2023. The conceptual framework used is based on dependent and independent variables. The research design is correlational. The research was conducted February 23-25 ​​on 88 respondents. The research data were analyzed manually and using frequency distribution tables. Based on attitudes, out of 35 (100%), the majority of young women have negative attitudes and do not carry out conscious examinations. namely 35 (67.3%) people and a minority of young women who have negative attitudes and have carried out self-breast examinations. 17 (32.7%) P value = 1.000. It can be concluded that there is no relationship between young women's attitudes towards breast self-examination (BSE). For young women, it is hoped that every young woman will be responsive to changes, or the presence of lumps and pain that are felt or arise in the breasts. For health institutions, it is hoped that they can provide counseling and information so that young women are motivated to be able to routinely carry out self-examination of their breasts and teach the techniques and appropriate time to do it.

Evaluation of Turkish videos about breast self-examination on YouTube

Objectives: Breast self-examination (BSE) is very important to early detect breast cancer in women in addition to imaging methods. The easiest way to access information concerning how to perform this examination is undoubtedly the internet, and the most popular platform is YouTube. However, the most important disadvantage of this massive platform is the risk of spreading false information since it cannot be audited. This study aimed to evaluate Turkish videos on BSE on YouTube in terms of quality and content. Methods: On January 17, 2022, a search was conducted on YouTube using the keyword “breast self-examination”, and the first 210 videos presented on the first five pages were obtained. After applying the study criteria, 156 were included in the sample and evaluated by two general surgeons in terms of educational value, content, and upload source. Results: Of the 156 videos, 23 were categorized as useful (14.7%) and 133 as misleading (85.3%). When examined according to the upload source group, universities/professional organizations/non-profit physicians/physicians had the highest rate of misleading videos (96.9%), while stand-alone health information websites had the highest rate of useful videos (24%). There was no significant difference between the upload sources in terms of video length, number of views, content score, or quality score. Conclusions: The number of useful Turkish videos on BSE is very low. Our results indicate the need for more educational and useful videos to be produced, especially by healthcare professionals who use the YouTube platform.

(180) Female Sexuality of Tunisian Women with Treated Breast Cancer

Abstract Introduction Breast cancer is a major health problem. Several treatment strategies are used to treat it such as lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, which leads us to ask the following question: what impact does breast cancer and its treatments have on female sexuality? Objective The aims of our study were to assess the sexuality of Tunisian women with breast cancer in remission, and to determine the prevalence and nature of sexual dysfunction in this population. Methods We carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study, involving women aged under 60, followed up for treated non-metastatic breast cancer currently in remission, and having a regular sexual partner during the last month. Outpatients in the surgery and radiotherapy department of the "Salah-Azaiez" Institute were interviewed using a questionnaire including a validated Arabic version of FSFI (Female sexual function desire). Our study was carried out throughout a period of 3 months, from January 1st, 2023 to March 31st, 2023, this period allowed us to collect our necessary data. Results We included 120 women in our study. The majority were between 40 and 49 years with an average of 46.53. One-third (33.3%) had a university degree and 16.7% were senior executives. More than half of our population (56.7%) were menopausal and 12% were smokers. 85% of the women had children, and only 36% had breastfed their children exclusively. Half of the women had discovered the disease at stage II, and 52% of them had discovered it during breast self-examination. Surgical treatment was radical in 61.7% of women and conservative in 38.3%. Thus, 75% of the population had undergone chemotherapy, 93.3% had undergone radiotherapy and 71.7% were receiving hormone therapy. Only 5% of our study population had a sexual dysfunction prior to the disease and 78% of women had reported a change in their sex life after breast cancer, with the frequency of intercourse as the main parameter affected. Among the most common sexual complaints were decreased or absent sexual desire in 68.1% of cases, lack of sexual initiative (74.4%), vaginal dryness (48.9%), and dyspareunia (42.6%). The majority of interviewed women (83.3%) had presented with global sexual dysfunction, i.e. a total FSFI score ≤26.55 and the areas most affected were pain, lubrication, and orgasm. Radical surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy were significantly associated with impaired female sexuality (respectively p=0.0036; p=0.047 and p=0.001). Conclusions Our study highlighted the impact of breast cancer treatment on women's sex lives. Healthcare providers should acquire the necessary skills in order to explore female sexual disorders and suggest suitable management. Disclosure No.

Testing Mechanical Properties of Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants and Their Degradation.

Breast augmentation procedures using silicone implants have become increasingly popular over the past six decades. This article addresses the concerns of patients regarding implant strength by providing clinicians with valuable information in addition to video and pictorial evidence to share, fostering reassurance. The article focuses on the structural integrity and stability of breast implants, which play a critical role in their long-term performance and patient satisfaction. Specifically, it examines the industry standards outlined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), with a particular emphasis on ISO14607-2018, which encompasses a range of mechanical and physio-mechanical tests, including the assessment of silicone gel-fill firmness, evaluation of shell integrity, and examination of the impact of environmental conditions on implant performance. Breast implants are not static devices and are subject to aging and fatigue-based degradation. This emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure the long-term safety and satisfaction of patients. By providing a comprehensive examination of breast implant structure and industry standards, this article equips clinicians with the necessary knowledge to address patient concerns and foster confidence in the safety and longevity of breast augmentation procedures using silicone implants.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The relationship between nursing and midwifery undergraduate students’ health beliefs and breast cancer knowledge levels and their breast self-examination behavior

Abstract Purpose This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between nursing and midwifery undergraduate students’ health beliefs and breast cancer knowledge levels and breast self-examination (BSE) behavior. Materials and method This study was based on a cross-sectional research design and conducted in a Web environment. Four hundred and forty-eight female students were included who study in the 3rd or 4th years of the nursing and midwifery departments. Research data were collected between December 2020 and January 2021 by utilizing the Introductory Information Form, the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale, and the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Knowledge Test. Results It was revealed that 52.7% of the students performed BSE on a regular basis. Based on the practice of BSE, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of benefits, obstacle perception, confidence/self-efficacy, and motivation subscales of CHBMS (p < 0.05). In terms of the risk of not performing BSE among students, having an extended family increased the risk by 3.29 times, not applying a clinical breast examination by 6.53 times, and a 1-unit increase in weighted GPA by 2.18 times; a 1-unit increase in the obstacle perception score related to BSE practice increased risk by 1.11 times. Conclusion and recommendations Nurses’ and midwives’ health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors should be improved with regard to the importance of breast cancer and BSE throughout their education, so that they can be role models for preventive healthcare practices in society.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination is associated with general self-care and cultural factors: a study from Tamil Nadu, India

AimBreast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women. One form of care related to early detection of breast cancer is breast self-examination (BSE). However, evidence on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of BSE and its determining factors are minuscule in an Indian context. Therefore, the present study primarily examined the prevalence of KAP of BSE. Further, its association with general self-care and cultural factors was determined.MethodsThis cross-sectional study obtained data from 412 women (Mn age = 26.63) from two rural localities of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India. Self-reported questionnaires of KAP of BSE, self-care, and cultural factors were applied. Statistical analyses include independent sample t-test and binomial logistic regression.ResultsThe majority of the sample had inadequate knowledge (58%), unfavourable attitudes (73.8%), and poor practice (89.6%) of BSE. The general self-care among the sample was moderate. Self-care was found to be a significant predictor of knowledge (b = 0.07, p < .05) and attitude (b = 0.092, p < .05) toward BSE. Shyness was identified as a negative predictor of KAP. Discouraged breast health discussions predicted inadequate knowledge, and not being educated by family/friends had a negative impact on knowledge and practice. A preference for same-gender physicians led to an unfavourable attitude toward BSE.ConclusionThe observed negative trends in KAP of BSE are concerning. The results imply that girls and women should be educated and encouraged to practice BSE and promote self-care behaviours. At the same time, efforts to reduce cultural barriers may be helpful to promote the KAP of BSE.

Clinical impact of semi-annual mammography in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery following neoadjuvant therapy

IntroductionGuidelines recommend annual mammography for most patients following breast conserving surgery (BCS) for invasive breast cancer (IBC). However, for patients treated with BCS following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), the optimal frequency for surveillance has not been established. The study objective is to assess the efficacy of semi-annual mammography after BCS in patients treated with NAT. MethodsAn institutional database of patients with IBC (cT1-T4, N0-N3, M0) who received BCS following NAT from 2007–2020 was analyzed. Clinicopathologic features, surveillance imaging, and outcomes were analyzed. Direct costs associated with surveillance were estimated based on Medicare Physician Fees. Results139 patients received BCS following NAT, of which 59 (42.4%) had a pathologic complete response. Most patients received semi-annual mammography for 24 months post-operatively (84.2%, 82.0%, 80.0%, and 78.0% of patients received a mammogram at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively). Biopsies were performed due to abnormal imaging findings in 9 (6.5%), 7 (5.3%), 2 (1.5%), and 8 (6.3%) patients at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Overall, 77.8% of biopsies performed were benign. At median follow up of 65 months (IQR 37–86), 22 (15.8%) patients developed recurrences, of which 14 (63.6%) were distant and 8 (36.4%) were locoregional. Only 2 (1.4%) patients had a recurrence detected by mammographic surveillance. The additional direct costs associated with semi-annual imaging was $373.68 per patient. ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to support semi-annual mammography in the early post-operative period following BCS in patients treated with NAT, and annual mammography with clinical exam is likely sufficient. SynopsisTo date, there is no consensus on the optimal frequency of mammographic surveillance in breast cancer patients receiving breast conserving surgery following neoadjuvant therapy given their higher risk for recurrent disease. Our data demonstrates overall low-yield and high costs associated with semi-annual mammography and suggests that annual mammography with clinical breast exam is sufficient for detecting locoregional recurrences.

Empowering Health: A Comprehensive Concept Analysis of Breast Self-Examination for Proactive Breast Health Management

The review paper discusses the concept of breast self-examination (BSE), a vital screening method for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. It uses the Walker and Avant analysis method to develop an operational definition, identify critical attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of BSE. BSE is crucial for early detection and survival rates, especially in developing countries. It is a cheap and accessible technique for detecting abnormal cells in normal breast tissue, making it useful in underdeveloped countries with limited resources. Defining attributes of BSE include breast awareness, breast examination for lumps and changes, a screening measure for detecting breast cancer, recommended timing after the menstrual period, primary prevention of breast cancer, self-awareness aiding in early detection, and cost-effectiveness in resource-poor countries. The paper also discusses antecedents and consequences of BSE, including knowledge and perception about BSE, personal and family history of breast cancer, health literacy campaigns, education level, increasing age, obesity, and reproductive factors. Conclusions of BSE include the practice of BSE and early detection of breast cancer, motivation towards screening, self-awareness, physical activity, and self-efficacy. The paper provides empirical referents for measuring and assessing BSE, such as structured questionnaires, scales based on health belief models, knowledge tests, and health action process approaches.

Awareness and Knowledge about Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Female Students: A Hospital Based Study

Awareness and Knowledge about Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Female Students: A Hospital Based Study

Classification of Early Breast Cancer using Convolutional Neural Networks

Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease that impacts millions of people worldwide, necessitating heightened awareness and effective early detection strategies. Current methods for determining the presence and type of breast cancer in a clinical breast exam conducted by healthcare providers may be inaccurate, imprecise, and prone to error. The goal of this research project is to offer a second opinion for physicians to predict whether or not a patient has early onset breast cancer through a machine learning model developed from an image dataset, to significantly reduce the error in breast cancer staging, making the process more efficient in healthcare. Early detection is crucial for successful treatments of breast cancer, as treatment options in late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer can have a much worse prognosis. In the US, 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed per year in both men and women with a mortality rate of approximately 42,000 per year. [1] To approach this problem, I have tested an MLP Classifier, Logistic Regression, Ridge Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, Decision Tree Classifier, Support Vector Classifier, and trained a Convolutional Neural Network to compare various results and determine the best accuracy. The Convolutional Neural Network yielded impressive outcomes, reaching up to 79% testing accuracy and 98% training accuracy. The final model exhibits the capability to identify early signs of breast cancer and differentiate between malignant and benign tumours with relatively high accuracy showing the potential of AI in combination with medical imaging that can assist medical staff in diagnosis.

Macroprolactinoma in a 14-Year-Old Girl in the Northeast of Iran: A Case Report

ABstractProlactinoma is frequently found not only in females but also in males with abnormal reproductive and/or sexual function. Patients typically complain about amenorrhea and infertility because of anovulation. Approximately 15% to 20% of cases of secondary amenorrhea are caused by prolactinemia. Galactorrhea may occur simultaneously, before or after menstrual disorders, and sometimes it may not be clinically obvious, or only detected by breast examination. We reported a case of a 14-year-old girl who presented primary amenorrhea accompanied by frequent headaches and blurred vision. Hormonal tests showed severe hyperprolactinemia (prolactin [PRL] concentration: 1,570 ng/ml). Further tests confirmed a mass in the pituitary with an extension to the left parasellar and suprasellar regions. Some parts of the sella turcica tumor were removed by transcranial surgery. During the follow-up, the clinicopathological examinations revealed the patient had hyperprolactinemia. Clinicians should be aware of the diagnostic and therapeutic problems regarding the management of hyperprolactinemia.

Frequency and indication of non-musculoskeletal examinations: a cross-sectional survey of Quebec chiropractors

BackgroundApproximately 1% of low back pain is estimated to be caused by serious systemic diseases, including cancer, infection, or abdominal aortic dissection. This study aimed to determine the frequency of execution of non-MSK physical examination procedures among Quebec chiropractors and to identify the clinical context that prompts them to use these physical examination procedures.MethodsCross-sectional survey containing 44 questions administered to a random sample of Quebec chiropractors using a succession of online, postal and phone questionnaires. The 4-part survey questionnaire contained six demographic questions, 28 single-choice questions to determine the frequency of execution of non-MSK physical examination procedures, seven short clinical vignettes for which the respondents had to select the non-MSK examinations that would be required, and two questions inquiring about the proportion of new patients for which participants’ felt non-MSK examinations were necessary and whether appropriate assessments were performed. The questionnaire was pilot tested, and feedback received integrated prior to administration. We conducted descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and an ANOVA.ResultsThe survey was completed by 182 chiropractors (response rate: 36.4%). The most commonly non-musculoskeletal examination performed daily were blood pressure (12.1%) and cranial nerves (4.9%). The most common tests never performed were oxygen saturation (68.7%), cardiac auscultation (69.2%), tibio-brachial index (71.4%), breast (86.8%), rectal (96.7%), testicular (95.6%), and vaginal (99.9%) exams. Female chiropractors and Quebec University in Trois-Rivières graduates reported that a significantly higher proportion of their new patients required a non-musculoskeletal physical examination compared to male participants (37.2% vs 28.3%) or Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College graduates (33.9% vs 19.9%). Reason for not performing a physical examination included the belief that another healthcare professional was better positioned to perform and/or interpret the related tests (76.4%).ConclusionsVital signs and cranial nerve examinations were the most frequency performed non-musculoskeletal examinations reported by chiropractors. Apart from the genitourinary exam almost never performed, most participants chose non-musculoskeletal examinations deemed appropriate for the patient’s presentation.

Male’s Primary Breast Lymphoma: Rare Entity of Breast Malignancy, Wad Madani Teaching Hospital, Gezira State, Sudan, August 2023

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Primary breast lymphoma is a malignant lymphoma primarily involving breast in absence of previously detected lymphoma localizations. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Method&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: A male of forty years old admitted to Department of Surgery; Wad Madani Teaching Hospital; Gezira State; Sudan; complaining of left breast lump for three months. Condition observed as a painful swelling in left breast, increasing gradually in size, associated with continuous high-grade fever, no rigors and relieved by analgesia, no nipple discharges. Had significant weight loss, anorexia, fatigability, back pain, dry cough with no hemoptysis, no history of headache, and no past or family history of similar condition. Examination: patient looks ill, pale, and not jaundiced. Breast examination: Left breast was larger than right one. Left breast: no nipple destruction, nipple was directed downward medially, no skin changes or dimpling, and no ulceration. There was a mass in left upper outer quadrant, measuring 6*7 cm, smooth surface, hard in consistency with well-defined edges, and attached to muscles but not to skin. No palpable axillary lymph nodes. Right breast was normal. Chest and abdominal examination were unremarkable. Investigations: Fine needle aspiration cytology showed poorly differentiated carcinoma. Incisional biopsy revealed: high grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas (Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma). He was referred to oncological department for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Conclusion and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Recommendation&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Primarily breast lymphoma is extremely rare among male, showing features mimicking breast carcinoma. Incisional biopsy was recommended for investigation of breast lump especially among males.

Exploring women's strong preference for women surgeons in breast healthcare.

This study challenges the prevalent belief that surgical roles demand masculine traits, potentially limiting women's suitability for such positions. Contrary to this stereotype, we explored the hypothesis that in sensitive surgical procedures, where communal traits are valued, women patients might favor women surgeons. Two experimental studies investigated women's preferences for a man versus a woman surgeon in a breast exam and breast surgery. In two studies we experimentally tested women's preferences for a man versus a woman surgeon for a breast exam (a noninvasive and non-complicated procedure), and breast surgery (an invasive and more complicated procedure). Study 2 delved into factors influencing these preferences, including patients' age, stereotypical perceptions of women surgeons as communal/warm, past negative experiences with men and women doctors, and previous body-related trauma. Women consistently preferred a woman surgeon for both procedures and expressed increased willingness to wait for an appointment with a woman surgeon. However, this preference was less pronounced for surgery than for an exam. Study 2 identified the stereotypical perception of women surgeons as communal/warm as the strongestpredictor for this preference, along with previous negative experiences with men doctors and age. While some gender bias persists, this study underscores a notable preference for women surgeons in intimate medical services like breast exams or surgery. This preference holds practical implications for healthcare providers encouraging women's preventive checkups and offers insights for women medical students making residency choices.

A study on awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination practices among women above 35 years of age in rural areas of Wardha District, Maharashtra: a protocol

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.