Knowledge Of Breast Cancer Symptoms Research Articles

Assessment of breast cancer awareness among female pharmacy students at a university in Turkey

BackgroundFemale breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, and knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, and symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and prevention. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness among female students at a pharmacy faculty in Turkey.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey study was conducted among female students at the Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Pharmacy between 2 November and 17 November 2023, in Isparta, Turkey.ResultsThis survey was answered by 237 (74.5%) female students. The median breast cancer risk factors score was 8 (IQR, 5–11), and the median breast cancer symptoms score was 5 (IQR, 2–8). Additionally, the breast cancer risk factors score was 46.16% (mean/max = 8.31/18, SD = 4.33) and the breast cancer symptom score was 58.5% (mean/max = 4.68/8, SD = 2.8). Few of the respondents (26.2%, and 20.3%, respectively) knew breast cancer risk factors such as late menopause, and no childbirth experience. Most respondents correctly answered symptoms of breast cancer, such as a painless and palpable breast lump, indrawing of the nipple, and sudden changes in breast shape (76.8%,44.3%, and 67.1% respectively). The students’ sources of information were medical websites (29.5%), social media (27%), physicians (22.8%), friends & family (14.8%), and pharmacists (5.9%).ConclusionsThis study showed that students’ knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was poor, but their knowledge of breast cancer symptoms was acceptable. Breast cancer awareness courses should be included in faculties. Additionally, more attention should be given to different educational interventions such as social media, television, and brochure distribution.

IJCM_128A: Understanding the Breast Cancer Knowledge, Screening practises and Needs among the women in rural South India: A Community-based mixed method study.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in India among women accounting for 13.5% of all cancer cases. One of the leading causes of high breast cancer deaths is poor awareness about risk factors, symptoms and screening leading to the late presentation at an advanced stage. Objectives: 1. To understand the knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors, perceptions and practises of breast cancer screening. 2. To do a need assessment of the people in the community regarding screening of breast cancer. Methodology: A community-based mixed method study was conducted at Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu and primary data was collected from 401 women aged 18-60 years. Structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data to assess the knowledge of breast cancer. The need assessment on screening was done by Focus group discussions (FGD). Mean, median, proportions and chi-square test were used to analyse quantitative data and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Results: The study found that 71.3% of the women were aware of breast cancer. The women who were aware of breast cancer considered lump in breast (78.3%), pain in one breast (66%) as the common symptoms. Women who were aware of breast cancer reported early menarche (16.8%), late menopause (15.4%), nulliparity (20%) and family history of cancer (49%) as the risk factors of breast cancer. 65% of the women were aware of at least one of the methods of breast cancer screening. More awareness programs, organising screening camps in the village, reducing the cost of screening tests were some of the needs addressed during the FGD. Conclusion: Knowledge of symptoms, risk factors and screening practises of breast cancer were low which necessitates the enhancement of knowledge on breast cancer to reduce the burden in the community.

The “Breast-4Y” web app for breast cancer prevention at young age: Development, evaluation, and validation

BackgroundImproving knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms positively influence an individual's intention to acquire healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent breast cancer, to identify breast cancer risk early and seek health advice early. The aim of the present study was to develop and to assess the usability and quality of a web-app (Breast-4Y) designed specifically for younger women to improve their knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms as well as protective behaviors to reduce their risk. MethodsThe development of the Breast-4Y web-app, based on Health Belief Model and the Behaviour Change Wheel, comprised four steps: i) analysis of scientific literature regarding breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and preventive lifestyle behaviors; ii) design of web-app; iii) content review by experts; iv) quality and usability assessment by the end-users (n = 20). Web-app usability was evaluated using the Spanish version of the System Usability Scale for the Assessment of Electronic Tools and the quality using the Spanish version of uMARS. ResultsThe contents were rated 4.25 or above, indicating high content quality. The mean usability score was 84.9 (SD 12.4), the mean rating for objective quality and subjective quality dimensions mean were 4.2 (SD 0.4) and 3.4 (0.777) respectively, indicating excellent usability and quality. Positive associations (p < .05) were observed between numbers of app used and attitudes to change (r = 0.479), and intention to change (r = 0.539). Strong positive associations (p < .001) were also observed between usability satisfaction and attitudes to change (r = 0.584), intention to change (r = 0.656), and help-seeking (r = 0.656). ConclusionsThis study provided evidence that Breast-4Y has adequate contents, high quality, and usability. Breast-4Y can be tested in pragmatic trials to assess their effectiveness to reduce the risk of breast cancer, raise women's awareness of breast cancer risk factors, increase women's knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, and adopt protective lifestyle behaviors.

Assessment Awareness of Breast Cancer Signs, Risk Factors, and Barriers: An Online Cross‑Sectional Study in Syria

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer (BC) is women's most common type of cancer. In LAMICs, breast cancer incidence is low. However, a lack of information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer potentially results in the disease's progression to life-threatening stages.This study aimed to determine the levels of breast cancer symptom awareness among Syrian women and to identify the variables associated with a high level of awareness.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: From 3 September 2022 to 27 September 2022, Syrian women participated in an online cross-sectional survey to measure their knowledge about breast cancer, risk factors, and symptoms. This survey was derived from previous research that included a comprehensive, authorized scale. The admission requirement was 18-year-old or older Syrian women from all Syrian governorates. The questionnaire was divided into two portions; the first component included sociodemographic characteristics. Based on the original BCAM scale, the second portion assessed the participant's knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and obstacles. Using the IBM SPSS V. 28.0 software, descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on the data.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Among 1305 study participants, the mean age and standard deviation of the individuals were 30.7 and 11.2, respectively. Students constituted almost three-quarters (75.2%) of the study respondents. The average level of knowledge about risk factors was higher among women with chronic diseases (Mean = 4.44, SD = 2.176), whereas jobless people had a higher average level of information regarding obstacles than other subgroups of practical circumstances. In addition, single women scored higher on the barrier comprehension scale than other marital status groups (mean=3.34, SD=2.32). Only two variables, including age and educational level, were statistically significant in predicting an acceptable degree of knowledge of the risk factors for breast cancer. Participants with a PhD were more aware than other educational subgroups (P-value 0.05; OR =6.186). Participants with a PhD. are projected to be 6.18 times more aware of breast cancer risk factors than those with lower levels of education. Women with chronic conditions were 1.84 times more likely than others to be aware of breast cancer barriers. &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Syrian females have a poor to moderate knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and barriers. It is proposed that more breast cancer awareness campaigns be conducted and that yearly screening programs be improved to combat the late detection of this illness. Social media and television might be effective venues for raising awareness of breast self-examination and early identification of symptoms.

Optimising Awareness and Knowledge of Breast Cancer Screening for Nurses Through Train-the-Trainer Workshops

Nurses play an important role in educating patients on breast cancer and have a positive influence in encouraging women to participate in breast screening. This current study aimed to use a train-the-trainer model to improve the level of knowledge of nurses on breast cancer and screening in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The study also focused on the nurses' ability to train other nurses in assisting women to engage in breast screening. This interventional study used a mixed-method design. Seventeen female nurses (aged 28-60years) were recruited from public and private health centers and participated in a breast cancer train-the-trainer workshop. They completed a survey before and after the workshop. The surveys included a series of open and closed questions to assess their knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and patient communication. The study found that nurse participants had good baseline knowledge of breast cancer topics, including breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations, and mammography. Responses were deemed accurate if they answered open-ended questions without incorrect information and correct options were selected in the quantitative sections. However, training improved the detail and accuracy of the participant responses. Training also improved the confidence of nurse participants to teach other women and nurses how to perform breast self-examinations and provide breast cancer information. There were significant increases in nurse participants' knowledge of risk factors (p < 0.001, r = 0.6) and symptoms (p = 0.003, r = 0.5). The nurse participants perceived that health education was the best means of encouraging women to participate in breast screening.

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.

Knowledge of symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer among women: a community based study in a low socio-economic area of Mumbai, India

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is leading cancer among women in India accounting for 27% of all cancers among women. Factors that make the policymakers and public health system worried are rising incidence of breast cancer in India and more importantly high death rates among breast cancer patients. One of the leading causes of high breast cancer deaths is lack of awareness and screening leading to the late presentation at an advanced stage. Therefore, the current research aimed to understand the knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors among women in a low socio-economic area of Mumbai.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Prabhadevi, Mumbai and primary data was collected from 480 women aged 18–55 years. Structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data pertaining to awareness, signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Bivariate and multivariate regression techniques were used for understanding of the socio-demographic differentials in breast cancer awareness among women.ResultsThe study found that around half (49%) of the women were aware of breast cancer. The women who were aware of breast cancer considered lump in breast (75%), change in shape and size of breast (57%), lump under armpit (56%), pain in one breast (56%) as the important and common symptoms. Less than one-fifth of the women who were aware of breast cancer reported early menstruation (5.6%), late menopause (10%), hormone therapy (13%), late pregnancy (15%) and obesity (19%) as the risk factors for breast cancer. The multivariate regression analysis showed women who had more than 10 years of schooling (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 3.93, CI: 2.57–6.02, P < 0.01) were about 4 times more likely to be aware of breast cancer than women who had less than 10 years of schooling.ConclusionIn conclusion, knowledge of danger signs and risk factors of breast cancer were low among women in the community. This may lead to late detection of breast cancer among women in the community. Therefore, the study calls for advocacy and larger intervention to enhance knowledge of breast cancer among women in the particular region with a special reference to women with low education.

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.

Knowledge of Breast Cancer Symptoms, Risk Factors, Preventive Measures and Management among Students in University of Uyo

Knowledge of Breast Cancer Symptoms, Risk Factors, Preventive Measures and Management among Students in University of Uyo

The prevalence of practicing breast self-examination and knowledge of breast cancer disease among women attending secondary health facility

Background: Early diagnosis has been shown to improve the prognosis of breast cancer, hence breast self-examination (BSE) as a screening method may have its benefits. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of BSE practice, the correctness of the practice steps and the knowledge of breast cancer disease among women attending secondary health facility.Methods: The study was a descriptive study among women attending antenatal care and immunization clinics at State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti between October and December 2015. A total of 238 women seen during the period and who consented to participate in the study were included. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used and data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Level of significance was set at P&lt;0.05.Results: Of 238 respondents, 94.2% were between 20 and 39 years and mostly married (86.1%). Overall, 56.7% were aware of BSE mainly through health workers (44.4%) and information media (30.4%). A little above half (55.6%) practiced BSE and 24% could be adjudged to have good practice. Performing BSE was significantly related to respondents’ level of education (p=0.001) and marital status (p=0.032). There was high awareness (84%) of breast cancer but the vast majority (87%) had poor knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and signs.Conclusions: This study revealed poor quality of BSE practice and poor knowledge of breast cancer symptoms among our women despite good awareness. There is need for more health education to improve the quality of BSE practice and knowledge of breast cancer disease for early detection and treatment.

Knowledge and Attitudes About Breast Cancer in Limpopo, South Africa.

PurposeBreast cancer survival is unacceptably low in many low-resource settings, including rural South Africa, where access to screening and treatment services is limited. To describe the context for implementing an early detection program, we assessed knowledge and attitudes toward breast cancer risk, early detection, and treatment.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among 243 women presenting to Hlokomela Clinic in Hoedspruit, South Africa, during April and May 2016. We used quantitative and qualitative analyses to determine levels of knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, and treatment of breast cancer, as well as experience with and attitudes toward detection and treatment methods.ResultsThirty-one percent of women correctly identified at least six of 12 risk factors for breast cancer, and 53.1% identified breast lumps as an important symptom. Although > 97% of women stated that self–breast examination and early detection were highly important and that they would seek care for changes in their breasts, only 33.3% of women reported performing self–breast examination, and only 24.3% reported receiving a clinical breast examination. Age and education were not associated with knowledge, and level of knowledge did not predict care-seeking behaviors or attitudes.ConclusionAlthough women demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors and the importance of early detection, few women reported seeking services. These data demonstrate sufficient levels of knowledge and positive attitudes toward care seeking and suggest both a need and readiness for increased access to cost-effective services to facilitate early diagnosis and improved outcomes.

Refining a questionnaire to assess breast cancer knowledge and barriers to screening in Kenya: Psychometric assessment of the BCAM

BackgroundOur study objective was to determine the validity and reliability of the breast module of a cancer awareness measure (BCAM) among adult women in western Kenya.MethodsThe study was conducted between October and November 2012, following three breast cancer screening events. Purposive and systematic random sampling methods were used to identity 48 women for cognitive focus group discussions, and 1061 (594 who attended vs. 467 who did not attend screening events) for surveys, respectively. Face and psychometric validity of the BCAM survey was assessed using cognitive testing, factor analysis of survey data, and correlations. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsAmong survey participants, the overall median age was 34 (IQR: 26–44) years. Compared to those women who did not attend the screening events, women attendees were older (median: 35 vs. 32 years, p = 0.001) more often married (79% vs. 72%, p = 0.006), more educated (52% vs. 46% with more than an elementary level of education, p = 0.001), more unemployed (59% vs. 11%, p = 0.001), more likely to report doing breast self-examination (56% vs. 40%, p = 0.001) and more likely to report having felt a breast lump (16% vs. 7%, p = 0.001). For domain 1 on knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, one factor (three items) with Eigen value of 1.76 emerged for the group that did not attend screening, and 1.50 for the group that attended screening. For both groups two factors (factor 1 “internal influences” and factor 2 “external influences”) emerged among domain 4 on barriers to screening, with varied item loadings and Eigen values. There were no statistically significant differences in the factor scores between attendees and non-attendees. There were significant associations between factor scores and other attributes of the surveyed population, including associations with occupation, transportation type, and training for and practice of breast self-examination. Cronbach’s alpha showed an acceptable internal consistency.ConclusionCertain subpopulations are less likely than others to attend breast screening in Kenya. A survey measure of breast cancer knowledge and perceived barriers to screening shows promise for use in Kenya for characterizing clinical and community population beliefs, but needs adaptation for setting, language and culture.

Understanding pathways to breast cancer diagnosis among women in the Western Cape Province, South Africa: a qualitative study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore and understand women's pathways to breast cancer diagnosis and factors influencing this journey.Design and settingIndepth interviews were conducted with clients at a...

Women's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Breast Cancer in a Rural District of Central India.

Breast cancer accounted for almost 25% of all cancers in women globally in 2012. Although breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in India, there is no organised national breast cancer screening programme. Local studies on the burden of breast cancer are essential to develop effective context-specific strategies for an early detection breast cancer programme, considering the cultural and ethnic heterogeneity in India. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about breast cancer in rural women in Central India. This community-based cross sectional study was conducted in Wardha district, located in Maharashtra state in Central India in 2013. The sample included 1000 women (609 rural, 391 urban) aged 13-50 years, selected as representative from each of the eight development blocks in the district, using stratified cluster sampling. Trained social workers interviewed women and collected demographic and socio-economic data. The instrument also assessed respondents' knowledge about breast cancer and its symptoms, risks, methods of screening, diagnosis and treatment, as well as their attitudes towards breast cancer and self- reported practices of breast cancer screening. Chi-square and t-test were applied to assess differences in the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (the outcome variables) between urban and rural respondents. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to analyse the relationship between socio-demographic factors and the outcome variables. While about two-thirds of rural and urban women were aware of breast cancer, less than 7% in rural and urban areas had heard about breast self-examination. Knowledge about breast cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and treatment was similarly poor in both rural and urban women. Urban women demonstrated more positive attitudes towards breast cancer screening practices than their rural counterparts. Better knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment correlated significantly with older age, higher levels of education, and being office workers or in business. Women in rural Central India have poor knowledge about breast cancer, its symptoms and risk factors. Breast self-examination is hardly practiced, though the willingness to learn is high. Positive attitudes towards screening provide an opportunity to promote breast self-examination.

Evaluation of Breast Cancer Awareness among Female University Students in University of Sharjah, UAE

Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge of breast cancer among female students at the College of Pharmacy at the University of Sharjah, UAE, and to evaluate the impact of the intervention program designed by the researchers on the student’s knowledge on the disease risk factors, screening methods, and their perception towards its treatment outcomes. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of a convenience sample of 166 pharmacy students ((n = 110; the 4th year) and (n = 56; the 5th year)) in the University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE. The 26-item questionnaire covered the personal information and socio-demographic characteristics, breast cancer general knowledge, knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and screening tests, and perception of management and outcomes of breast cancer. Key Findings: A total of 120 pharmacy students from the 4th year (n = 70) and the 5th year (n = 50) had completed the survey for the pre-intervention phase of the study. For the post intervention phase of the study, only 63 students from the 4th year and 48 students from the 5th year returned their completed questionnaire, giving a response rate of 90% and 96% respectively. Almost one quarter (59 (25.5)) of the students included in the study reported that they have had a history of breast cancer in their family respectively. A high proportion (206 (89.2%)) of the students from both levels showed their interest in participating in activities to promote breast awareness, despite the fact that almost three quarters (161 (70%)) of the students reported that they have never been participated in any previous breast awareness programs. The awareness of students under investigation about self-examination was clearly improved at the end of the study period. Eighty (66.7%) of the students from both levels reported that the breast self-examination is recommended for female “once a month”. This figure was increased to 103 (92.8%) post the intervention sessions (P value χ2 < 0.001). Conclusion: The high incidence of breast cancer in the UAE may be attributed to the low level of awareness of the disease among females. Our findings can be used to promote discussion in the profession and with stakeholders about the future role of pharmacists in breast cancer care.

Knowledge and attitude of Saudi female students towards breast cancer: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective In Saudi Arabia, females suffering from breast cancer often present late when their cancer has progressed to advanced stages. Hence the overall survival rate is low. Medical help-seeking behavior of females may be influenced by their awareness about breast cancer. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of university students towards breast cancer. Methods One hundred and fifty females from a university in Saudi Arabia completed a questionnaire intended to provoke their sociodemographic information and knowledge, attitude and practices towards breast cancer. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 19. Results Mean knowledge score was 16.6 out of 29. One hundred and six participants (70.7%) scored 50.0% and more. On the other hand, number of participants whose scores were below 50% was rather less (44; 29.3%). Variables like single, knowing of a friend/family member suffering from breast cancer or practice of breast self-examination were significantly related to participants' knowledge scores. 50.7% participants admitted to carry out the breast self-examination procedure. Only 13 study participants (8.7%) had clinical breast examination. None of the participants had undergone mammography. Conclusion Female university students have mild knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and management. They are also not clear about etiology and risk factors associated with breast cancer. Practice of clinical breast examination and mammography was rare in the participants. There is a need to enhance their knowledge regarding breast cancer and emphasize the need of breast cancer screening programs.

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.

A promoting early presentation intervention increases breast cancer awareness in older women after 2 years: a randomised controlled trial

Background:We have developed the Promoting Early Presentation (PEP) Intervention to equip older women with the knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to present promptly with breast symptoms, and thereby improve survival from breast cancer. The PEP Intervention consists of a 10-min interaction between a radiographer and an older woman, supported by a booklet. Our previous report showed that at 1 year, the PEP intervention increased the proportion who were breast cancer aware compared with usual care.Methods:We randomised 867 women aged 67–70 years attending for their final routine appointment on the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme to receive the PEP Intervention, a booklet alone or usual care. The primary outcome was breast cancer awareness measured using a validated questionnaire asking about knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, knowledge that the risk of breast cancer increases with age and breast checking behaviour.Results:At 2 years, the PEP Intervention increased the proportion who were breast cancer aware compared with usual care (21 vs 6% odds ratio 8.1, 95% confidence interval 2.7–25.0).Conclusions:The uniquely large and sustained effect of the PEP Intervention on breast cancer awareness increases the likelihood that a woman will present promptly should she develop breast cancer symptoms up to many years later.

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.

Validation of a measurement tool to assess awareness of breast cancer

AimUntil now, there has been no universally accepted and validated measure of breast cancer awareness. This study aimed to validate the new Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM) which assesses, using a self-complete questionnaire, knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and age-related risk, and frequency of breast checking. MethodsWe measured the psychometric properties of the BCAM in 1035 women attending the NHS Breast Screening Programme: acceptability was assessed using a feedback questionnaire (n=292); sensitivity to change after an intervention promoting breast cancer awareness (n=576), and test–retest reliability (n=167). We also assessed readability, and construct validity using the ‘known-groups’ method. ResultsThe readability of the BCAM was high. Over 90% of women found it acceptable. The BCAM was sensitive to change: there was an increase in the proportion of women obtaining the full score for breast cancer awareness one month after receiving the intervention promoting breast cancer awareness; this was greater among those who received a more intensive version (less intensive version (booklet): 9.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.5–14.1%; more intensive version (interaction with health professional plus booklet): 30%, 95% CI: 23.4–36.6%). Test–retest reliability of the BCAM was moderate to good for most items. Cancer experts had higher levels of cancer awareness than non-medical academics (50% versus 6%, p=0.001), indicating good construct validity. ConclusionsThe BCAM is a valid and robust measure of breast cancer awareness suitable for use in surveys of breast cancer awareness in the general population and to evaluate the impact of awareness-raising interventions.