Knowledge Of Breast Cancer Risk Factors Research Articles

Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Awareness of Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Barriers to Seeking Medical Help among Adolescent Omani School Students—An Interventional Study

Women in Oman and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are usually diagnosed with BC at a younger age and more advanced stage, with poor five-year survival. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of breast cancer (BC) related educational programs among female Omani adolescents. Six female-only public schools were randomly selected from three governorates of Oman and assigned to the control or interventional group. An Arabic version of the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire was used to evaluate students attending grades 10 and 11 at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks (T1). After T0, the intervention group participated in a one-hour BC education program involving group discussions, a slideshow presentation, leaflets, and online access to program materials and videos. Non-parametric tests were used to compare scores between intervention and control groups and within each group across time (T0 vs. T1). A total of 1106 students participated, of which 547 (49.5%) and 559 (50.5%) were allocated to the control and intervention groups, respectively. Recognition of BC risk factors (Z = 18.67; p < 0.001) and symptoms (Z = 20.01; p < 0.001) increased significantly in the intervention group between T0 and T1 and compared to the control group at T1 (U = 27.27; p < 0.001, and U = 25.75; p < 0.001, respectively). Anticipated time to seeking medical help (Z = 18.67; p < 0.001) and barriers to help-seeking (Z = 7.91; p < 0.001) decreased significantly between T0 and T1 in the intervention group and compared to the control group at T1 (U = 15.78; p < 0.001, and U = 3.44; p = 0.001, respectively). The program increased knowledge of BC risk factors and symptoms and promoted early medical help-seeking among Omani female adolescents. Healthcare strategic planners and policy-makers in Oman and low- and middle-income countries should consider incorporating cancer education programs in the national school curriculum to minimize delays in BC diagnosis and improve the survival rate.

Development and Effectiveness of Breast Awareness Mobile App for Health Education and Promotion among Women in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer among Malaysian women with reported incidence increased in trend according to data from 2012 to 2016 [1]. Moreover, compared to the data from 2007 until 2011 and 2012 until 2016, Malaysian women are more likely to present with late-stage BC [1]. Breast self-examination (BSE) was found to be more effective when combined with a mobile app intervention in promoting early detection [2]. Even though smartphone app users were increasing, there is a lack of culturally appropriate content, health providers’ support and accessibility to reliable information [3].&#x0D; &#x0D; The objective of this study was to develop BrAware, a breast awareness mobile app based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and evaluate the effectiveness of BrAware for health education and promotion. The HBM-based requirement analysis was used to develop BrAware, which includes elements including the risk factors infographic, survival statistics, BSE video, reminders, support groups and ‘myths and facts’ content. An approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Universiti Sains Malaysia was obtained (USM/JEPeM/18080380) prior to data collection.&#x0D; &#x0D; A quasi-experimental pre and post-test research design were conducted from 1st October until 1st December 2021. The recruitment of participants was done through media social platforms such as the Facebook page of ‘Penduduk Kota Bharu’ and the WhatsApp group. It utilized an online survey using an adapted Bahasa Malaysia version of the Breast Cancer Awareness Measurement Tool (B-CAM) [4]. The post-test was administered after the participants were familiar with and used BrAware for two months. The data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The raw scores of knowledge were summed up to 100% with a high score indicating high knowledge. A paired t-test was used to analyze the effectiveness of BrAware on knowledge in BC and BSE. The null hypothesis was rejected if the p-value is &lt;0.05 at the 5% level of significance.&#x0D; A total of 41 women were recruited in this study to assess the effectiveness of BrAware in terms of BC knowledge and BSE practice. The analysis’s findings revealed that the participants’ mean age was 39.71±8.80. At a &lt;0.001 level of significance, the mean BC warning signs knowledge score significantly increased from 70.62 (SD 11.74) to 79.83 (SD 10.15). Meanwhile, the BC risk factors knowledge rose from 65.79 (SD 14.63) to 77.07 (SD 16.57) (p-value 0.005). Also rising from 73.66 (SD 18.94) to 83.41 (SD 10.63) at a level of significance of 0.007 was the BSE knowledge means score.&#x0D; The pre-and post BrAware intervention significantly showed improvement in participants' knowledge that could affect their health behaviour and promote early detection of BC. In mobile app development, an interactive learning approach such as an infographic was included to facilitate user engagement and memorability [5] and survival statistic information provided was more likely to urge users to take action after recognising the seriousness of the condition [6[. Moreover, in other studies, video intervention could attract users and promote understanding [7] whereas the reminder feature was reported to encourage self-checked [7]. Besides, features such as support groups included offered access to emotional or spiritual help, experience sharing, material and knowledge [8]. The education related to myth and facts was included as previous research found that it could reduce the rate of late diagnosis [9]. In conclusion, this intervention improves the knowledge of BC risk factors, awareness of warning signs and BSE confidence among the participants.

Breast awareness mobile apps for health education and promotion for breast cancer.

Lack of knowledge, poor awareness, and attitude are barriers to breast cancer (BC) screening participation. The ubiquitous usage of mobile phones makes it a perfect platform for delivering interventions to increase knowledge and awareness in screening, a strategy for early identification of BC. However, although numerous applications for BC prevention are available on major mobile phone platforms, relatively few have been tested in scientific studies to determine their efficacy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of BrAware Apps in increasing the knowledge of BC risk factors, awareness of warning signs and confidence in breast self-examination (BSE) among women in northeast peninsular Malaysia. A quasi-experimental pre and post-test research design were conducted with 41 women participants in Kelantan, Malaysia, before and after using the BrAware apps. Participants were given an online, adapted Breast Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire. Post-test was 2 months after using the BrAware apps. Comparison using paired T-tests were conducted to evaluate the change in knowledge of risk factors, warning signs awareness and confidence level for BSE. The mean age of women was 39.71(SD = 8.80). The participants' mean knowledge score of BC warning signs differs before using BrAware (mean 70.62, SD 11.74) and after using the BrAware app (mean 79.83, SD 10.15) at the <0.001 level of significance. The BrAware mobile app had a positive effect in increasing the women's knowledge of risk factors of BC, warning signs awareness and confidence level for BSE. It can be concluded that the mobile app may be an adjunct in educating women on BC.

Knowledge and Practices of Female Nurses at Primary Health Care Clinics in Gaza Strip-Palestine Regarding Early Detection of Breast Cancer.

Background:Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer deaths among females in Palestine. Female nurses play a vital role in increasing women’s awareness of BC early detection. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of female nurses at Primary Health Care Clinics (PHCCs) in the Gaza Strip regarding early detection of BC. Materials and Methods:This is an analytical, cross-sectional study with a census sample that includes all target female nurses (152) currently working at PHCCs. The study was conducted during the period February 2019 - March 2020. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data among female nurses. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to examine the relationship between the variables. Ethical approval was obtained from a Helsinki Committee Gaza Strip-Palestine. Results:The nurses demonstrated a good knowledge of signs and risk factors of BC, with scores of 85.3% and 77.9%, respectively. The majority of the participants correctly defined breast self-examination (BSE) and claimed that clinical breast examination (CBE) is a useful tool to detect BC (94.1% and 97.4%, respectively). Nurses who had previous training in CBE had better knowledge than those who had not (t = 3.5; P-value <0.001). Nurses who previously performed mammography had a knowledge score (mean ± SD = 78.1±12.8) higher than those who did not (mean ± SD = 72.5±14). Nurses having previous training had a knowledge score of 8.9 times higher than those without relevant training (t = 4.2, P-value < 0.001). Nurses’ knowledge of BC risk factors increased the practicing score by a factor of 0.22 (t = 3.0, P-value = 0.003). Conclusion:Nurses demonstrate good knowledge and practices of early BC detection. Previous education sessions affect the knowledge of early detection methods positively.

Knowledge of Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Practices of Breast Self-Examination among Women in Northern Ghana

Introduction: Breast cancer remains a major global health concern in both developed and developing countries. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge of risk factors of breast cancer (BC), and the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among females in the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 1122 participants; consisting of nurses 157 (14.1%), teachers 227 (20.2%), undergraduate university students 339 (30.5%), medical students 95 (8.5%) and market women 304 (27.3%). Using a convenience sampling method to select the participants, we distributed questionnaires to participants which were completed and returned. Results: Most of the participants, 498 (44.4%) were between age 19-25. The majority were enlightened about BC (93.1%), and BSE (87.6%), 723 (64%) had good knowledge about the risk factors of BC. A total of 857 (76.4%) had previously been taught BSE. However, only 417 (37.2%) were found to practice BSE regularly. Conclusion: The knowledge of BC risk factors and BSE was remarkable, but varied in the various occupational categories. However, only a few participants practiced BSE regularly. There is a need for widespread educational campaigns to educate further and encourage women to practice BSE regularly. The inclusion of men in these crusades is long overdue. Equipped with the knowledge and skills of BSE, men could assist and encourage their spouses to frequently examine themselves. Further research studies will be necessary to ascertain the role of men in championing BSE among their significant others.&#x0D; Keywords: awareness; breast cancer; breast self-examination; knowledge; practice; Ghana; Tamale

Awareness of Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms and Breast Self-Examination Among Omani Female Teachers: A cross-sectional study.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess knowledge of breast cancer (BC) risk factors, warning signs and symptoms and breast self-examination (BSE) practice among Omani female teachers in Al-Dhahira Governorate.MethodsA cross-sectional sample of female teachers aged 20–50 years was collected from January to December 2018 from three wilayats (provinces) in Al-Dhahira—Ibri, Dhank and Yunqal. A questionnaire that included the Breast Cancer Awareness Scale and demographic characteristics was administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and Pearson’s Chi-square test.ResultsA total of 478 female teachers were included in the study (response rate: 72.4%). The majority of participants (60.5%) had good overall knowledge about BC while 19.9% of participants had excellent overall knowledge. Only 9% of participants demonstrating excellent knowledge of BC risk factors. More than half of the participants (56.1%) reported excellent knowledge in screening methods. Unfortunately, only 57% of the female teachers indicated practising BSE. Knowledge of BC symptoms was closely divided between excellent and good levels (45.8 and 42.5%, respectively). BSE practice was significantly (P <0.05) correlated with overall knowledge of BC and its symptoms and screening methods, but not with knowledge of BC risk factors.ConclusionThis study revealed unsatisfactory overall knowledge of BC risk factors, symptoms, screening methods and BSE practice among female Omani teachers in Al-Dhahira Governorate. These findings constitute a challenge to healthcare providers to continue developing awareness of BC and providing health information to the public.

Abstract 864: Correlates of mammography screening practice among immigrant women in Southern California

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Immigrant underrepresented women are facing many challenges and barriers to knowledge, access to health care and preventive services. Few studies have examined factors associated with mammography screening among immigrant women in Southern California. Purpose: We examined factors associated with mammography screening among immigrant women in Southern California. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 517 immigrant women aged 40 years and older. The instrument included constructs from the Health Belief Model. The survey was conducted using a self administered questionnaire in the women's preferred language. The outcome variables were the percentage of women ages 40 and older who ever received a mammogram and the percentage of women who received a mammogram within the past year. Independent variables were demographics, frequency of visits to health care provider, and scores of the following variables: knowledge of BC symptoms and BC risk factors, perceived benefits, perceived health motivation and perceived barriers to obtaining a mammogram. We analyzed data using SPSS 15. Results: of the 517 women, 50% were Iranian, 15% were Arab, and 21% were Asian/South Asian. Twenty eight percent had family history of BC, 63% had a friend diagnosed with BC, and 47% had yearly visit to the health care provider. Ever had a mammogram was reported by 88% of the women and 73% reported they had mammogram within the last 12 months. Participants had low knowledge of BC symptoms (mean score=7, Standard Deviation [SD]=3.5, range=1-13) and low knowledge of BC risk factors (mean score=8, SD=3.6, range=1-21). Women showed high health motivation (mean score=4.4, SD=0.6, range=1-5) and low barriers (mean score=2.4, SD=0.6, range=1-5). Predictors of ever had a mammogram were age, having a friend who was diagnosed with BC, and having a high score of health motivation. Factors associated with having a mammogram within the past year were having frequent visits to the health care provider, having a higher score in knowledge of BC symptoms, and having a lower score of perceived barriers to obtaining a mammogram. Conclusions: The findings indicated that health care provider may influence the BC screening among immigrant women. There is a need for a culturally sensitive educational intervention to enhance the knowledge and awareness related to BC. This intervention can be provided through the health care provider and through the social support and family groups. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 864.

Enhancing breast health in rural populations: clinical nurse specialist as the key.

Four clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) were funded for a project to increase breast cancer (BC) screening practices and the knowledge of BC risk factors for women in 4 medically underserved rural counties. The goal was to implement a program to increase knowledge of breast health practices, increase access to mammography, establish linkages among CNSs and community organizations, and increase resources for breast health education and screening. Phase I: A training program (focusing on breast health, breast cancer, and screening) was presented to public health nurses from each of the 4 counties. Phase II: Project and public health nurses teamed to provide an education and screening program for rural area women. The program involved making mammograms available at no cost through a mobile mammography unit that was brought to each county. Mammograms and educational programs were provided to 141 women. The project team was clearly able to function as both clinical experts and clinical leaders. The spheres of influence for these 4 CNSs included patient/client (rural women), nursing personnel (county health department nurses), and organization/network (state health department and governmental bodies). This project, based on the Logic Model, can serve as a framework for delivering care in underserved, rural populations.