Monthly Breast Self-examination Research Articles

Health Literacy and Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors in Women

Background: Breast cancer and cervical cancer, the most common forms of cancer in women worldwide, are on a fast and steady rise. Cancer screening tests are an important tool to combat cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Considering the importance of health literacy in promoting community health, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy and the history of screening behaviors of common cancers in women referred to Bushehr healthcare centers in 2019. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 380 women referred to urban health centers in Bushehr in 2019. Data were collected by using a questionnaire consisting of three parts: demographic characteristics, breast and cervical cancer screening behavior, and health literacy (HELIA) questionnaire. Data were analyzed via SPSS 21 software using the Chi-square test, an independent t-test, and descriptive statistical methods. Furthermore, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 34.88±9.15 years. Moreover, 3.2% of subjects had inadequate health literacy, 13.9% had health literacy at a border level, and 82.9% had sufficient health literacy. In this study, 46.8% and 88.2% of the women did not undergo Pap tests and mammography, respectively, and 73.9% were never referred to the health centers for clinical examination of breasts. In addition, health literacy had a significant relationship with monthly breast examination and undergoing Pap smear (P<0.001), but health literacy had no significant relationship with undergoing mammography and clinical breast examination (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that women with higher levels of health literacy are more likely to get in the habit of doing monthly breast self-examination and undergoing the Pap test. Thus, it is suggested that this result be considered in prevention programs (primary and secondary) to increase women’s health.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to breast cancer self-examination among medical students at the University of Khartoum, Sudan


 
 
 Background. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive cancer in women, and the second leading cause of death in women worldwide. In Sudan, BC was the most predominant type of cancer among females according to the records of the Radiation Isotope Center Khartoum and Gezira Institute for Cancer Treatment and Molecular Biology.Objective. To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of Sudanese medical students regarding breast self-examination (BSE). Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during June - August 2019 among university medical students in Sudan. Data were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised five parts: participants’ sociodemographic characteristics; knowledge of BSE; knowledge of symptoms of BC; attitudes toward BSE; and attitudes towards BSE practice. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.
 Results. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed among female students, with 295 responses (98.3%). The findings revealed that 285 (96.6%) of the respondents had heard about BSE before, and 293 (99.3%) of them were aware of the monthly BSE test, and agreed that BSE is a good practice test for early BC detection. Two hundred and ninety-one (91.2%) were knowledgeable about BC symptoms. In addition, 191 (64.7%) of the respondents agreed that they could detect BC by themselves, while 277 (76.9%) of respondents said that BSE is not time- consuming. A total of 257 (87.1%) of the respondents agreed that BSE was important and useful in the early detection of abnormalities. For the practice score, three-quarters (n=221; 74.9%) of the respondents practise BSE because they are aware of its benefit.
 Conclusion. The intensive awareness campaign of BSE practice and BC should be done on a regular basis using mass media to increase the level of awareness of BC.
 
 

Effect of breast cancer education based on the health belief model on knowledge, health belief, and breast self-examination among female students of Debre Markos University, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2021.

Breast cancer is the primary cause of mortality in female patients around the world and the second most common cancer after lung cancer in both sexes. Socio-cultural factors contribute to the development, maintenance, and change of health behavior; knowledge, attitudes, and motivation are important individual determinants of health behavior change. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of health belief model-based breast cancer education on knowledge, health belief, and breast self-examination among female students of Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, in 2021. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 210 samples selected by simple random sampling; samples were assigned to an intervention group and a control group based on their cluster. Data were collected by self-administration questionnaire before and after intervention and then entered into Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. A dependent t-test and an independent t-test were used. Difference in difference was used to assess the effect of the intervention. Statistically significant differences were observed between groups' knowledge about breast cancer after educational intervention; monthly breast self-examination practice changes from 20.0% to 57.58% and 17.14% to 24.27% in intervention and control groups, respectively; and average scores of all health belief model constructs show a statistically significant change in the intervention group relative to controls after intervention. Overall knowledge increased by 6.24, perceived susceptibility increased by 4.67, perceived seriousness increased by 6.93, benefit of breast self-examination increased by 3.51, self-efficacy increased by 9.45, cues for action increased by 2.74, barriers of breast self-examination decreased by 3.61, and breast self-examination increased by 2.26 due to educational intervention. The health belief model-based education is an effective and efficient way to enhance students' breast self-examination and promote knowledge and health beliefs about breast cancer. Based on the findings of this study, implementing a health belief model-based educational intervention about breast cancer at different phases of life is important to fight the disease.

Knowledge and Practice of Iraqi Women Regarding Breast Self-Examination

Background: Women around the world are suffering from breast cancer (BC) which is considering the commonest cancer affecting them. Even, the mortality rate can be decreased with a continuous and regular screening of the breast especially by Breast Self-Examination (BSE). Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge level, attitude level, and practice of Iraqi women living in Baghdad city regarding BSE. Secondly, to assess the presence of an association between knowledge and practice. Methods: This is an analytic cross-sectional study conducted on a non-random sample of 657 participant women attending primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) for different reasons. The average age was between (20-59) years. All consented women filled a specially designed questionnaire for the research purpose through a face-to-face interview. Results: The result showed only 75.5% of women were heard about BSE and there was a significant difference (p<0.001) in age between women heard about BSE and those never heard it. In addition to the significant association (p<0.001), (p<0.001), and (p<0.001) of being aware of BSE with educational level, employment status, and social class respectively. The mean knowledge score and standard deviation (SD) for BSE were (45.2±34.8). Only 33(5%) of women performed regular monthly BSE. A significant difference (P<0.001) in the knowledge of women who practicing BSE adequately and those with non-adequate practice. Conclusion: Women with the adequate practice of BSE had a higher knowledge level than those inadequately practiced. The practice of BSE was inadequate in a majority of participants and needs to be improved by educational programs.

Determinants of late detection and advanced-stage diagnosis of breast cancer in Nigeria.

To describe the risk factors for late detection and advanced-stage diagnosis among patients who detected their BC early. Using secondary data, we analyzed the impact of socio-demographic factors, premorbid experience, BC knowledge, and health-seeking pattern on the risk of late detection and advanced-stage diagnosis after early BC detection. Test of statistical significance in SPSS and EasyR was set at 5% using Sign-test, chi-square tests (of independence and goodness of fit), odds ratio, or risk ratio as appropriate. Most socio-demographic factors did not affect detection size or risk of disease progression in the 405 records analyzed. High BC knowledge, p-value = 0.001, and practicing breast self-examination (BSE) increased early detection, p-value = 0.04, with a higher probability (OR 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.5) of detecting <2cm lesions. Visiting alternative care (RR 1.5(95% CI 1.2-1.9), low BC knowledge (RR 1.3(95% CI 1.1-1.9), and registering concerns for hospital care increased the risk of advanced-stage diagnosis after early detection (64% (95% CI 55-72)). Adhering to the monthly BSE schedule reduced the risk of advanced-stage diagnosis by -25% (95% CI -49, -1.1) in the presence of socioeconomic barriers. Strategies to increase BC knowledge and BSE may help BC downstaging, especially among women with common barriers to early diagnosis.

DETERMINANTS OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION (BSE) ONCE A MONTH REGULARLY IN WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE IN KUBUTAMBAHANAN VILLAGE

Significant condition occurred in increased rate of breast cancer, based on global statistical data. Awareness of breast cancer prevention methods is very important in reducing morbidity and mortality caused by breast cancer. One of them with breast self-examination (BSE) because it is easy, cheap, privacy, safe and does not require special equipment, but this method is not yet widely applied by most women. The purpose of this study was to determine the determinants of regular breast self-examination once a month by women of childbearing age in the Kubutambahanan Village. The method of research was observational with cross sectional approach. Samples were taken purposively with a large number of samples determined as many as 154 respondents. The independent variables in this study were age, level of education, occupation, family history of breast cancer, distance of health facility coverage, mass media exposure, partner / family support, peer group support, dependent variable in this study was breast self-examination behavior. Data collection using questionnaires with structured interview techniques. The study began in June until September 2019. After the data were collected, univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyzes with logistic regression were performed using software. The results of this study found that the determinant variable of monthly breast self-examination was education level (OR = 5,321.95% CI: -0.324--0.213), mass media access (OR = 3,543.95% CI: -0.213 - 0.124), partner or family support (OR = 7,002.95% CI: -1.342--0.543) and peer age group support (OR = 5,326.95% CI: -3.234--1.342) remain jointly influential for regular monthly breast self examination. Breast self-examination every month is regularly related to factors of education level, mass media access, partner or family support and peer support.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Breast Self-examination among Girls in Selected Colleges of the City and to Develop and Disseminate an Informational Booklet on Breast Self-examination

Background: Prevention is better than cure measures should be taken to prevent cancerous lesion by detecting it at earliest stage. Breast screening in general population has shown to reduce mortality and helps to detect it at earliest stage. Breast self-examination is a technique that all women can use to assess their own breasts. Women familiar with their own normal breast characteristics can easily notice the development of abnormalities early. Each woman and girls should be aware of her own risk factors with regular breast self-examination malignancy may be discovered early and effectively treated. Regular monthly breast self-examination is an essential health maintenance activity. Objective: (1) To assess the knowledge regarding breast self-examination among girls. (2) To assess the attitude regarding breast self-examination among girls. (3) To associate the level of knowledge regarding breast self-examination among girls with selected demographic variables. (4) To associate the attitude regarding breast self-examination among girls with selected demographic variables. Material and Method: The study was conducted in selected colleges of the city. Descriptive approach was used in this study. 100 girls in selected colleges of the city were selected for the study. Semi-structured knowledge questionnaire and rating scale were used to collect the data. Result: Majority of samples, i.e., 54% of them were having average level of knowledge score, 35% of them had good level of knowledge, 9% had poor level of knowledge score, and only 2% had very good and none of the sample, i.e., 0% were in excellent knowledge score and majority of the samples, i.e., 99% of the samples had positive attitude towards breast self-examination, and only 1% had neutral attitude towards breast self-examination and no one had negative attitude score regarding breast self-examination. Conclusion: After detailed analysis, it was found that there is significant association of level of knowledge score in relation to their previous knowledge about breast self-examination and source of information. It is observed by the study that there is significant association of level of attitude score in relation to their mothers educational status and source of information.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Breast Self-examination among Girls in Selected Colleges of the City and to Develop and Disseminate an Informational Booklet on Breast Self-examination

Background: Prevention is better than cure measures should be taken to prevent cancerous lesion by detecting it at earliest stage. Breast screening in general population has shown to reduce mortality and helps to detect it at earliest stage. Breast self-examination is a technique that all women can use to assess their own breasts. Women familiar with their own normal breast characteristics can easily notice the development of abnormalities early. Each woman and girls should be aware of her own risk factors with regular breast self-examination malignancy may be discovered early and effectively treated. Regular monthly breast self-examination is an essential health maintenance activity. Objective: (1) To assess the knowledge regarding breast self-examination among girls. (2) To assess the attitude regarding breast self-examination among girls. (3) To associate the level of knowledge regarding breast self-examination among girls with selected demographic variables. (4) To associate the attitude regarding breast self-examination among girls with selected demographic variables. Material and Method: The study was conducted in selected colleges of the city. Descriptive approach was used in this study. 100 girls in selected colleges of the city were selected for the study. Semi-structured knowledge questionnaire and rating scale were used to collect the data. Result: Majority of samples, i.e., 54% of them were having average level of knowledge score, 35% of them had good level of knowledge, 9% had poor level of knowledge score, and only 2% had very good and none of the sample, i.e., 0% were in excellent knowledge score and majority of the samples, i.e., 99% of the samples had positive attitude towards breast self-examination, and only 1% had neutral attitude towards breast self-examination and no one had negative attitude score regarding breast self-examination. Conclusion: After detailed analysis, it was found that there is significant association of level of knowledge score in relation to their previous knowledge about breast self-examination and source of information. It is observed by the study that there is significant association of level of attitude score in relation to their mothers educational status and source of information.

Social Determinants of Breast Cancer Screening among Married Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Regular cancer screening is the best way for early detection of breast cancer, but studies showed the low participation rates of screening in Iran. We aimed to determine breast cancer screening among married women and related factors in North of Iran. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from Jan to Mar 2017 among 1472 married women in an urban population in Rasht City, North of Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire included socio-demographic information and breast cancer screening behaviors. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression were used for data analyzing with SPSS. Results: The mean age of women was 35.1 ±6.5 years. Majority of women never performed clinical breast examination (70.7%) and regular monthly breast self-examination (52.2%). Only women over 40 yr performed mammography. Mammography performance was associated with health insurance (OR=4.99; 95% CI: 1.10, 22.53) and family history (OR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.19), clinical breast examination was associated with age of women (OR=2.87; 95% CI: 1.90, 4.32) and breast selfexamination was associated with age and occupation of women [OR=1.67; 95 % CI: 1.16, 2.39, OR=1.65; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.29) respectively]. Conclusion: The rate of breast cancer screening was low among married women. Therefore considering the structural and cultural barriers, effective health education is essential to reduce inequality and increase the efficiency of screening programs.

Assessment of breast self- examination practice and associated factors among female workers in Debre Tabor Town public health facilities, North West Ethiopia, 2018: Cross- sectional study.

BackgroundAlthough breast Self-Examination is no longer tenable as a standard method to detect early breast cancer, world health organization recommends breast self -examination for raising awareness of women about breast cancer. Secondary prevention through monthly breast self-examination is the best option to tackle the rising incidence of breast cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess breast self -examination practice and associated factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from April 23 to May 23, 2018. A total of 421 female workers in Debre Tabor Town public health facilities were included. The study participants were selected using simple random sampling technique from the study population. The collected data were checked for completeness. The data were entered and cleaned using EpiData version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Crude odd ratio and probability value were identified for each independent variable and all independent variables with probability value of less than 0.2 were entered into multivariables logistic regression. Statistically significant associated factors were identified based on probability value (p-value) less than 0.05 and adjusted odd ratio with 95% confidence interval.ResultThe mean age of participants was 25.2 (S.D = 4.12) and 137 (32.5%) of the participants had practiced breast self -examination and 64 (15.2%) of them performed it monthly. Family history of breast cancer (adjusted OR = 6.5, CI = 1.54–21.4), Knowledge about breast -self examination (adjusted OR = 5.74, CI = 2.3–14.4) and self- efficacy in practicing breast self -examination (adjusted OR = 4.7, CI = 1.84–12.11) were significantly associated with breast self -examination practice.ConclusionsThe study showed that the prevalence of breast self-examination was low. Family history of breast cancer, knowledge about breast self -examination and self- efficacy in practicing breast self- examination did have statistically significant association with breast self—examination practice.

Sustainable and cost-effective teenage breast awareness campaigns: Insights from a Nigerian high school intervention study.

With limited government-sponsored breast screening programmes in developing countries, breast awareness remains the only realistic survival hope for millions. Poor levels of knowledge and preventive practices remain in these countries, and early enlightenment to empower teenage high school girls has been advocated for, recently. This study evaluates ways to ensure sustainability for such an approach. A 6-month longitudinal, interventional cohort study of 432 high school female students in South-eastern Nigeria. The efficacies of a video-assisted face-to-face intervention, as well as the use of printed handouts, were evaluated. A total of 317 (73.4%) and 301 (69.7%) valid responses were received from the pre-intervention (16.8±1.5years) and post-intervention (17.2±1.6years) surveys, respectively. Logistic regression revealed that participants who were "engaged" with the campaigns, either through symposium attendance or by reading handouts, showed significant improvements on most aspects of knowledge regarding the cancer's early symptoms and risk factors, as well as breast self-examination (BSE). However, the monthly practice of BSE was not significantly increased (Attendees: OR=1.44, P=0.18; Handout-readers: OR=1.52; P=0.17). Also, when "engagement" to the respective empowerment activities was disregarded, a chi-squared analysis comparing the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups showed significant improvements on specific knowledge regarding risk factors and early symptoms of breast cancer, as well as BSE techniques and regular monthly practice: χ2 (1, N=596)=46.703, P<0.001. Across multiple parameters, the impact of exclusive face-to-face participation was not different to that from the reading of handouts. Face-to-face and handout were both effective and of similar impact. However, sustained impact on monthly BSE is doubtful. To surmount this, strategies to ensure ongoing engagements are vital. Perhaps adjusting existing high school curricula to allow repeated yearly teachings on breast cancer and BSE, along with in-built-in evaluation systems like examinations and quizzes, are ways of ensuring engagement.

Community-based study on the knowledge, awareness, and practices of females towards breast cancer in Buraimi, Oman.

Background:In Oman, a higher proportion of patients presented with breast cancer are relatively young age and with an advanced stage. This could be due to lack of awareness and knowledge about breast cancer among young women.Aim:To assess the breast cancer knowledge, awareness and factors associated with the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among females in Buraimi, Oman.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among females attending the two days health exhibition event at a polyclinc, in Al-Buraimi, governorate. A pretested questionnaire to assess their knowledge, awareness and practices concerned to breast cancer was used. The collected data was categorized, analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. All the statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 version.Results:Out of the total of one hundred and eighty nine (189) participants, 80% had information of breast cancer. Participants had better knowledge of symptoms but less knowledge about risk factors. When probed about BSE, only 43% performed it and only 21% of them do it monthly on regular basis. The main reasons for regular monthly BSE is mainly because of fear of breast cancer (9%), doctor's advice (6%) and awareness through media (5%).Conclusion:Our study participants showed insufficient knowledge in some areas related to sign and symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer and identified a negative influence of low knowledge on the practice of BSE. Thus, educational interventions need to be emphasized to provide comprehensive information of breast cancer.

Effectiveness of planned teaching intervention on knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among first year midwifery students.

IntroductionThe prevalence of cancer is growing rapidly in all parts of the word and Ethiopia is no exception. Secondary prevention, as simple as monthly breast self-examination, is the best option to tackle the rising of this epidemic. Health awareness programs on screening and early detection are the corner stones to reduce the morbidity and mortality resulting from breast cancer.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of planned teaching program on knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among first year female midwifery students in Hawassa health Sciences College.Methods and materialsA pre-experimental one group pre-posttest design was used among 61 students who were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and adapted and approved checklist. Data was entered using Epi-Info and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Pre-and post-intervention results were calculated using paired t-test.ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 20.13(±2.27) and 77% of the study participants were single. Before the intervention 14(23%) of respondents had information and practiced breast self-examination, only 8(13.1%) performed breast self -examination on a regular monthly basis. The number and percentage of the knowledgeable respondents pre-post intervention is 23(37.7%) and 35(57.4%), respectively. The mean knowledge difference for the pre-post intervention is 0.18±0.695 (P < 0.05). The respondents’ pre- post interventions score of satisfactory practical competency were 10(16.4%) and 43(70.5%), respectively as well. The mean net gain for the pre-post breast self-examination intervention is 0.51± 0.62 (P < 0.001). Both the knowledge and practical competency scores showed highly significant increment after the intervention, showing that the research hypothesis was accepted.Conclusion and recommendationsPlanned teaching intervention on knowledge and Breast self-examination of students has resulted in an increment of both knowledge and the practice of breast self-examination. Teaching breast self-examination with demonstration to all at risk groups as a secondary prevention for breast cancer and large scale studies on heterogeneous groups is important.

Breast Self-examination: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Female Health Science Students at Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women worldwide. Diagnosis of breast cancer at an earlier stage allows women more treatment choices and greater chance of long term survival. Breast self-examination (BSE) once a month contributes to a woman’s heightened awareness of what is normal for her. It is recommended that women over the age of 20 years perform monthly breast self-examination to detect new lumps and other changes in their breast. In view of the fact that mammography is not readily available in resource limited countries like Ethiopia, this study was designed to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of regular Breast self-examination amongst female health science students of Adama science and Technology University in 2014. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used to select 368 study subjects randomly. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information. The collected data were entered into Epi-info version 3.5.1. After cleaning the data it was exported to SPSS version 21 for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were also performed with logistic regression to measure the association between dependent & independent variables. Result: A total of 368 respondents participated in the study, of these, only 8.7% of them had good knowledge and 59.2% had positive attitude towards BSE. About two fifth (39.4%) of the respondents had done breast selfexaminations, from these only 9.7% of them practiced monthly. Statistically significant association was obtained only with, level of education of the participant, father’s educational level and program of enrolment. Conclusion and recommendation: Knowledge and practice of BSE was low, even though majority of them have positive attitude. Being health was the major mentioned reasons for not doing BSE. The ministry of health is recommended to promote awareness about BSE through emergence of groups in the University, celebrating days like breast cancer day.

Breast cancer screening utilization among Eastern European immigrant women worldwide: a systematic literature review and a focus on psychosocial barriers

Many countries host growing Eastern European immigrant communities whose breast cancer preventive behaviors are largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding secondary prevention via breast cancer screening utilized by that population. All observational, general population studies on breast cancer screening with Eastern European immigrant women and without any country, language, or age restrictions were identified. Screening modalities included breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography. The selected 30 studies were published between 1996 and 2013 and came from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA. The reported prevalence of monthly breast self-examination was 0-48%; for yearly clinical breast examination 27-54%; and for biennial mammography 0-71%. The substantial methodologic heterogeneity prevented a meta-analysis. Nonetheless, irrespective of host country, healthcare access, or educational level, the findings consistently indicated that Eastern European immigrant women underutilize breast cancer screening largely because of insufficient knowledge about early detection and an external locus of control regarding decision making in health matters. This is a vulnerable population for whom the implementation of culturally tailored breast cancer screening programs is needed. As with other underscreened immigrant/minority groups, Eastern European women's inadequate engagement in prevention is troublesome as it points to susceptibility not only to cancer but also to other serious conditions for which personal action and responsibility are critical.

Possible Logistic and Sociodemographyc Factors on Breast Cancer Screening in Turkey: Lessons from a Women’s Health Project in Mersin Province

Mortality from breast cancer is decreasing partly owing to early detection. In Mersin province in our country, local health authorities launched an education program on sexual diseases and breast cancer early detection for women over 15 years of age. After the educational session, clinical breast examination was offered by a nurse or physician, and if suspicious they were recommended to apply a specialist for further examination. Here, we report the results on those women with abnormal clinical breast examination. In this second project, socio-demographic variables were investigated such as educational level and place of living,parameters to measure the success of previous project, whether they followed the recommendation themselves, whether mammograms were reported in accordance with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS). Of 3,793 women recruited, mean age was 42.2 years, 42.3%were younger than 40.0 years. Majority (88.5%) were married, graduate of primary school (60.6%), without a job(91.2%), and inhabiting in the province (38.7%). Of the population, 98.1% believe in the importance of screening in the treatment of breast cancer. According to 70.3%,monthly breast self-examination enables early detection, 33.5% believe that clinical breast examination detects cancer early, and 35.5% think that annual mammography can detect it early. Among 2,183 women 40 years of age or over, 41.5% had mammography at once before participating in the first project. Breast self-examination was being carried out by 56.6% on a monthly basis. After an abnormal breast examination, 86.4% applied to hospitals for specialist examination. Reasons for declining to seek for further examination among 410 women answering were as follows:42.0% did not accept, 27.0% did not know it was important, 16.6% because of economical reasons, and 5.0% were too shy to be examined. Being older, being married, being the graduate of primary and secondary school, residing in rural areas, having a mammogram positively affected the decision in univariate analyses (p<0.05). All but educational level (p=0.059) remained significant in multivariate analysis. Mammography was reported in accordance with BIRADS in only 45 (1.2%). Awareness of population on breast cancer early detection can be raised through education. Generally, women follow professional recommendation from professionals. Mammography reporting among radiologist in accordance with BIRADS is rare. Successful early detection of breast cancer may be obtained by public education together with improving detection methods.

Performance Outcome of the Proficiency in Clinical Breast Examination (ProCBE) Module at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center-Breast Center

Introduction: The VSMMC Breast Center actively promotes the practice of monthly breast self-examination and annual clinical breast examination to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the performance outcome (proportion of participants who passed) on the technical aspect of the proficiency in clinical breast examination (ProCBE) module at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Methods: The study is a retrospective analytical review designed to evaluate the proficiency in clinical breast examination program (ProCBE) done at VSMMC Breast Center. The participants’ skills on the technical aspect (Position, Perimeter/Pattern and Palpation/ Pressure) were evaluated through a return demonstration. Testing the difference between proportions using z-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred fifty-two participants were included in the ProCBE class which included medical doctors, medical interns, and registered nurses. In the positioning station, 87.3%, 86.4%, and 80.4% of doctors, interns, and nurses passed. In the perimeter/ pattern station, 97.5%, 90.9%, and 66.7% of doctors, interns, and nurses passed. In the palpation/pressure station, 54.4%, 50.0%, and 66.7% of doctors, interns, and nurses passed. Overall, 43.0%, 27.3%, and 29.4% of doctors, interns, and nurses passed the module. Conclusion: Overall, 43.0%, 27.3%, and 29.4% of doctors, interns, and nurses passed the technical aspect of the Proficiency in Clinical Breast Examination Module, respectively Key words: Clinical breast exam, breast cancer

Prospective analysis of the long-term effect of teaching breast self-examination and breast awareness

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the industrialized world and a leading cause of death. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the methods for an early detection of breast cancer. In the present study the effectiveness of a campaign promoting BSE and breast awareness was analysed. Seminars were conducted in 2003 in Lower Saxony, Germany by a female gynaecologist and a social pedagogue and included a lecture, an individual training in BSE in a separate room and a talk about the importance of regular BSEs. Questionnaires were handed out immediately after the seminar and were sent by post 1 year later. Attendance of the seminar resulted in a significantly higher percentage of monthly BSEs (21.4% before vs. 61.9% after the teaching). Furthermore, 92.1% of the women who did not perform a monthly BSE stated that at least they examined their breasts more frequently after attending the seminar. The data demonstrate that the seminars in BSE had profound effects on the compliance of women in carrying out BSE regularly and correctly, without influence of age or education.

Status of Breast Self Examination Among Health Professsional Of Abia State University Teaching Hospital

Breast self-examination (BSE) is recommended for breast cancer screening but most Nigerian women do not perform BSE regularly. Breast cancer, a significant cause of mortality, can often be detected in an early stage. This may be achieved by mammography, physical examination by skilled practitioners or through breast self-examination. In this preliminary study, we present the responses received on breast self-examination among health professionals at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Abia State. One hundred questionaires were distributed to final year female medical students, house officers interns, pharmacists and nurses. Out of the 100 dstributed, respondents were 94 (94%). Among the 94 it was found out that 79 (84) practice Breast self-examination, but the number that examine their breast monthly was only 45 (47.9%). With this low level of monthly breast self-examination, there is the need to create the awareness and encourage the regular monthly practice. Among the repondents 74 (78.7%) knew the gravity of breast cancer.Key words: Breast self-examination, Cancer Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy Vol. 4 (1) 2005: 55-57

Breast and colorectal cancer screening among low-income women with psychiatric disorders

This study investigated breast and colorectal cancer screening among 196 low-income women being treated for psychiatric illnesses. Main outcome measures included breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography, digital rectal examination (DRE), and fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Results indicated that 49% and 66% of women 40 years of age or older had obtained mammograms and CBEs, respectively, in the preceding year. Forty-four per cent of women 20 years of age or older reported monthly BSE. Forty-six per cent and 35% of women 50 years of age or older reported having digital rectal exams (DRE) or fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), respectively, in the preceding year. Multivariate analyses showed that physician recommendation of screening was the strongest predictor of having obtained a mammogram, CBE, DRE or FOBT in the preceding year. Physician recommendation and self-confidence in performing BSE were the strongest predictors of monthly BSE. These results highlight the importance of physician recommendation of adherence to screening guidelines for breast and colorectal cancer. Because psychiatrists frequently treat psychiatric patients on a regular basis, they are in a unique position to encourage cancer screening and to monitor compliance with their recommendations.