Performance Of Breast Self-examination Research Articles

Training Program for Rural Community Health Workers about Breast Self-Examination at Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Breast Self-Examination (BSE) has a greatest role in the early discovery of breast cancer and it is still an important screening tool for early detection of Breast Cancer (BC) in developing countries. The study aimed to: Assess the impact of training program on improving knowledge and practices of rural community health workers regarding BC and BSE. Subjects and Methods: Design: Quasi-experimental research design. Sample: A total of 74 rural community health workers recruited in this study. Tools of the study: Two tools used; Tool (I): Self-administrated questionnaire; which divided into two parts, Part (1): Included participants’ personal data, Part (2): Included questions to assess knowledge about BC and BSE. Tool (II): BSE performance checklist. Results: The participants were aged less than 20 years with university education (54.1% and 51.4% respectively); 73% of them were from rural area and 13.5% had family history of BC. There were highly statistical significant differences between total score of knowledge and practice during the three phases of the study pre, post and follow-up test p-values 0.000. Conclusion: A remarkable improvement was noticed in the participants' level of knowledge and practices during the posttest and after three months of follow-up. Recommendation: Establishment of ongoing training intervention to increase rural community health workers’ confidence and skills for teaching preventive health behaviors including BSE to larger society.

Correlation between Breast Self-Examination Practices and Demographic Characteristics, Risk Factors and Clinical Stage of Breast Cancer among Iraqi Patients.

BACKGROUND:Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women globally. The disease can be cured with limited resources if detected early. Breast self-examination (BSE) is considered a cost-effective feasible approach for early detection of that cancer in developing countries.AIM:To determine the correlation between BSE performance and demographic characteristics, risk factors and clinical stage of BC among Iraqi patients.METHODS:This retrospective study included a total of 409 female patients diagnosed with BC at the Referral Training Center for Early Detection of Breast Cancer and the National Cancer Research Center in Baghdad. The studied variables included the age of the patient, occupation, marital and educational status, parity, history of lactation, contraceptive pill intake, family history of cancer and the clinical stage of the disease.RESULTS:Our findings revealed that the most important predictors for practicing BSE was family history of BC or any other cancers (OR = 3.87, P = 0.018) followed by being a governmental employee (OR = 1.87, P = 0.024), history of contraceptive use (OR = 1.80, P = 0.011) and the high level of education (OR = 1.73, P = 0.004). On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between the practice of BSE and the BC stage at the time of presentation.CONCLUSION:There is a relatively poor practice of BSE among Iraqi patients diagnosed with BC. It is mandatory to foster the national cancer control strategies that focus on raising the level of awareness among the community through public education as a major approach to the early detection of cancer in Iraq.

Factors Associated with Initial Mode of Breast Cancer Detection among Black Women in the Women's Circle of Health Study.

Mammogram-detected breast cancers have a better prognosis than those identified through clinical breast exam (CBE) or through self-detection, primarily because tumors detected by mammography are more likely to be smaller and do not involve regional nodes. In a sample of 1,322 Black women, aged 40-75 years, diagnosed with breast cancer between 2002 and 2016, we evaluated factors associated with CBE and self-detection versus screening mammogram as the initial mode of breast cancer detection, using multivariable logistic regression models. Compared with screening mammogram, history of routine screening mammogram (OR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.54) and performance of breast self-examination (BSE) (OR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.74) before diagnosis were associated with lower odds of CBE as the initial mode of detection, while performance of CBEs before diagnosis (OR 11.04, 95% CI: 2.24, 54.55) was positively associated. Lower body mass index (<25.0 kg/m2 vs. ≥35.0 kg/m2: OR 2.46, 95% CI: 1.52, 3.98), performance of BSEs before diagnosis (less than once per month: OR 4.08, 95% CI: 2.45, 6.78; at least monthly: OR 4.99, 95% CI: 3.13, 7.97), and larger tumor size (1.0-2.0 cm vs. <1.0 cm: OR 2.92, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.64; >2.0 cm vs. <1.0 cm: OR 6.41, 95% CI: 3.30, 12.46) were associated with increased odds of self-detection relative to screening mammogram. The odds of CBE and self-detection as initial modes of breast cancer detection among Black women are independently associated with breast care and breast cancer screening services before diagnosis and with larger tumors at diagnosis.

Breast self-examination among nurses in Poland and their reparation in this regard.

Working at night and in shifts, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle, may increase the risk of breast cancer in nurses who therefore should frequently perform breast self-examination (BSE). The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of BSE among Polish nurses, its accuracy, sources of knowledge and skills, self-assessment of own competences and preparation to educate women about BSE. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of female nurses (N=1,242). An anonymous, self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection. To properly assess the BSE a four-item scale was made of the type single best answer multiple choice question. Each item referred to one agreed principle of performing BSE. Regularly BSE was performed by 56.1% nurses, 67.3% pre-menopause nurses 2-3 days after cessation of menstruation and 30.4% post-menopause women on a chosen day of the month. About 98% examined visually and by palpation; 58.9% did so in two positions. In the accuracy scale of BSE, the average number of points was 2.8 out of 4. All (4 points) or almost all (3 points) recommendations of accurate BSE were met by 61.4% of the nurses. Self-assessment of knowledge and BSE practical skills were considered as good or very good by 93.5% and 88.8% nurses, respectively. The self-evaluation of nurses' knowledge and BSE skills was significantly correlated with the result on the accuracy scale or this BSE. Many deficiencies concerning frequency, times and BSE techniques were revealed among Polish nurses. There is a discrepancy between the high self-assessment of competences and the accurate practice of BSE. Nurses' preparation in Poland in BSE is insufficient and requires improvement.

Appraisal of Iraqi Women's Knowledge Related to Breast Cancer and their Performance of Breast Self-Examination in Al-Diwanyia City

Appraisal of Iraqi Women's Knowledge Related to Breast Cancer and their Performance of Breast Self-Examination in Al-Diwanyia City

Awareness and Practice of Breast Self Examination among Women in Different African Countries: A 10-Year Review of Literature.

Breast self examination (BSE) is an important screening technique in detecting breast abnormalities. This procedure enables women become familiar with their breasts, thus making it easier for them to detect any changes that may occur. Routine performance of BSE is recommended for females above 20 years. This review of literature was conducted to assess the awareness and practice of BSE among women in different countries in Africa. A total of 28 out of 80 articles were reviewed from 15 African countries based on relevance. Review identification was performed through the search of Google Scholar and PubMed/MEDLINE/PubMed Central databases. Search terms used were “BSE,” “awareness,” “practice,” and “Africa.” Reference lists of identified studies were also used to find more studies. Majority of the reviewed studies showed adequate awareness, mainly from the media, but poor practice of BSE among women in various countries in Africa. A major barrier identified was inadequate knowledge of BSE technique. Although awareness of BSE was relatively high in many of the reviewed studies, the practice was low. Educational intervention program should be carried out among women in various African countries, not only to raise awareness but also to educate on the skills required to carry out BSE effectively.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Breast Cancer Early Detection Among Women in a Mountainous Area in Northern Vietnam.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women all over the world, also in Vietnam. In recent years, the incidence of breast cancer has been increasing in Vietnam, and most cases are diagnosed at late stages, making treatment more difficult. More and better early detection could help more women to survive. The aim of this study was to identify the current knowledge, attitude and practice about early detection of breast cancer as well as potential predictors of breast cancer screening among women aged 20 to 49 year in a mountainous commune in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, in a largely ethnic Muong population. Women aged 20 to 49 years were selected by systematic random sampling to participate in a cross sectional study in October 2017. They were interviewed with a closed questionnaire about their knowledge of breast cancer, its risk factors, and warning signs. A checklist for performance of breast self-examination was also applied. Three hundred six women agreed to participate in the study. More than half had a low level of knowledge, and were weak in attitude and practice about breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, breast ultrasound, and mamography. Among women who had practiced at least 1 screening method, 17.0% mentioned clinical breast examination, and only 13.8% reported practicing breast self-examination. Factors associated with practice included knowledge about breast cancer early detection (BCED), ethnicity, income, the BCED information approach, and the BCED screening programs approach. The finding of a very low proportion of women in the mountainous setting with good awareness and practice on early detection of breast cancer is important evidence to inform the BCED intervention program developers about where and how to target which information, especially to reach more ethnic minority women.

Breast Self-examination Knowledge and Practice among Kuwaiti Women

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer among women living in both developed and developing countries and one of the most common causes of death among women in developing countries. Most cases of BC are diagnosed at late stages of the disease due to insufficient knowledge about breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE). The study objective is to report Kuwaiti women’s practice, knowledge, and etiological reasons that discourage women from performing BSEs. A questionnaire was distributed among 716 women of ages between 15 and 62 years old with two scales, (1) Knowledge of BSE performance and (2) Reasons for not practicing BSE, as well as socio-demographic questions. The findings show that Kuwaiti women’s reasons for not practicing BSE were related to the fact that the majority (78.1%) did not know about the frequency of performing BSE, nor how to perform it. The participants (70.7%) also claimed that they did not know the right time to perform BSE. There was a significant relationship between the participants’ ethnic roots, BC frequency among them, family history of BC, and family history of cancer and the participants’ knowledge about performing BSE (P &lt; 0.05).

An educational intervention on based information, motivation and behavior skills model and predicting breast self-examination.

SummaryIntroductionBreast self-examination recommend as a breast screening method in developing countries where there are limited access to other screening methods. Therefore promoting breast self-examination required to identify effective interventions and relevant factors.MethodsThis study was a quasi-experimental design carried out among 314 women 20-69 years in community cultural centers in Isfahan city, Iran. Sampling was conducted from April to 10 August, 2016. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection in before and after the educational intervention. Then participants were followed by phone call after one month for breast self-examination performance. We used descriptive statistical analysis (mean, standard division, frequency distribution), and also other statistical methods (Paired t-test, Pearson’s correlation and logistic regression).The data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 with considering a significant level less than 0.05.ResultsThere was significant difference between mean scores of information, motivation and behavior skill before and after intervention (P < .0001). After one month following 205 of women (72.2%) reported to perform breast self-examination. Pearson’s correlation showed that breast self-examination significantly correlated with information (r = .305, p = .000), motivation (r = .128, p = .031) and behavior skills (r = .161, p = .006). Also the logistic regression results demonstrated that information (p < .001, OR = 1.071), motivation (p = .045, OR = .978) and behavior skills (p = .001, OR = 1.033) predicted breast self- examination.ConclusionsConsidering the results of this study, it appears that the use of educational interventions based on three constructs of information, motivation and behavior skills can be used to promote breast self-examination. Moreover these results can apply to improve breast self-examination among women by health care providers.

Knowledge and practice of breast self examination among women of reproductive age in Butwal Sub Metropolitan City

Background: Majority of breast cancer cases in developing countries are diagnosed in late stage. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among females in Nepal and can be detected by Breast self-examination (BSE) in early stage of disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among women of reproductive age in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan city.Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study with 219 women of reproductive age residing in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan city was conducted between March and August 2016. The study samples were enrolled through the cluster random sampling design. Data was collected using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS ver. 16.Association was checked using the chi-square test.Results: Of total, only 31.1% of respondents had ever heard about BSE. Only 19.2% women had ever practiced BSE. The study revealed that marital status, monthly household income and level of education were independent factors influencing the knowledge of BSE while performance of BSE was influenced by monthly household income, level of education and history of breast disease.Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of BSE among women of reproductive age in Butwal sub metropolitan city was found poor and inadequate. This shows gap between knowledge and practice of BSE that might be reduced through implementation of community based awareness and skill development programs on BSE targeting the women of reproductive age group.JMMIHS.2018;4(1):117-129

Uptake of Gynecological Cancer Screening and Performance of Breast Self-Examination Among 50-Year-Old Migrant and Non-migrant Women in Germany: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study (InEMa).

Our aim was to provide data regarding uptake of gynecological early detection measures and performance of breast self-examinations among migrant women in Germany. Cross-sectional self-reported data were collected using paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Descriptive analyses, Chi square-tests, and logistic regression were applied. Results were adjusted for educational level. Of 5387 women, 89.9% were autochthonous, 4.1% German resettlers, 2.8% Turkish, 3.1% other migrants. Participation rates regarding cancer screening differed significantly, with the lowest proportion in Turkish migrants (65.0%), resettlers (67.8%), other migrants (68.2%) and autochthonous population (78.2%). No differences in performance of breast self-examinations were detected. When adjusted for education, results indicated only slight changes in the odds to participate in screening irregularly or not at all. Results support existing evidence by showing lower participation rates in cancer screening among migrant women, but there were no differences regarding breast self-examinations. Migrant women form a potential high-risk group for late-stage diagnosis of cervical or breast cancer.

Breast cancer among young girls: a KAP study conducted in Lahore

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Breast cancer is the second most frequently occurring malignant tumour. It's a progressive disease hence gradually developing into more fatal form from very small lesion. Knowledge and awareness about risk factors, symptoms and screening methods reduces the mortality and morbidity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lahore. Data was collected anonymously on self-administrated questionnaire regarding awareness and knowledge about risk factors, presentations of breast cancer and screening practices about breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; A total of 400 females participated in this study. 34% had heard of BSE, 30% of CBE and 29.5% of the mammography. Only 21.8% had ever performed BSE and 14% had ever received CBE. On enquiring the reasons for not performing BSE 29% did not know how to do it and 14.3% indicated embarrassment as the cause of not performing CBE. Regarding the source of information internet was identified as the most popular one (64.8%) followed by breast cancer campaigns (58.5%). Participants had inadequate knowledge about risk factors and its presentations. There is much lack of information about mammography but participants were aware of the age (35-40years) to start this screening procedure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Our studies revealed lack of awareness and knowledge with regard to breast cancer and it screening methods. There is utmost need to enhance the awareness and encouraging the performance of BSE, CBE and mammography among females from very young age to reduce its incidence.&lt;/p&gt;

Attitude and Practice Regarding Breast Cancer Early Detection among Iranian Women: A Systematic Review

Objectives:To determining attitudes and practice regarding breast cancer early detection techniques (breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography) among Iranian woman.Methods:International (PubMed, ISI, and Google Scholar) and national (SID and Magiran) databases were reviewed up to September 2017 to identify articles related to the attitudes and practices of Iranian women concerning breast cancer screening behavior with reference to BSE , CBE and mammography. The screening steps, analysis of quality of the studies and extraction of the papers were performed by two reviewers.Results:Of the 532 studies included initially, 21 performed on 10,521 people were considered eligible. Subjects with a positive attitude toward BSE in various studies were 13.5% to 94.0% with an average of 47.6%. Positive attitudes to CBE and mammography were found in 21.0% and 26.4%, respectively. Participant performance of BSE ranged from 2.6% to 84.7%, with an average of 21.9%. The respective figures for CBE and mammography were 15.8% and 16.7%.Conclusion:Considering the poor performance and low rates for positive attitudes, it is suggested that educational programs should be conducted across the country.

Psychosocial predictors of breast self-examination behavior among female students: an application of the health belief model using logistic regression

BackgroundBreast cancer is a life-threatening condition affecting women around the world. The early detection of breast lumps using a breast self-examination (BSE) is important for the prevention and control of this disease. The aim of this study was to examine BSE behavior and its predictive factors among female university students using the Health Belief Model (HBM).MethodsThis investigation was a cross-sectional survey carried out with 334 female students at Urmia University of Medical Sciences in the northwest of Iran. To collect the necessary data, researchers applied a valid and reliable three-part questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test, in addition to multivariate logistic regression statistics in SPSS software version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsThe results indicated that 82 of the 334 participants (24.6%) reported practicing BSEs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that high perceived severity [OR = 2.38, 95% CI = (1.02–5.54)], high perceived benefits [OR = 1.94, 95% CI = (1.09–3.46)], and high perceived self-efficacy [OR = 13.15, 95% CI = (3.64–47.51)] were better predictors of BSE behavior (P < 0.05) than low perceived severity, benefits, and self-efficacy. The findings also showed that a high level of knowledge compared to a low level of knowledge [OR = 5.51, 95% CI = (1.79–16.86)] and academic undergraduate and graduate degrees compared to doctoral degrees [OR = 2.90, 95% CI = (1.42–5.92)] of the participants were predictors of BSE performance (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe study revealed that the HBM constructs are able to predict BSE behavior. Among these constructs, self-efficacy was the most important predictor of the behavior. Interventions based on the constructs of perceived self-efficacy, benefits, and severity are recommended for increasing women’s regular screening for breast cancer.

Differences in Perception of Breast Cancer Among Muslim and Christian Women in Ghana.

PurposeThe burden of breast cancer continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where women present with more advanced disease and have worse outcomes compared with women from high-income countries. In the absence of breast cancer screening in LMICs, patients must rely on self-detection for early breast cancer detection, followed by a prompt clinical diagnostic work-up. Little is known about the influence of religious beliefs on women’s perceptions and practices of breast health.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered to female members of Islamic and Christian organizations in Ghana. Participants were asked about their personal experience with breast concerns, knowledge of breast cancer, performance of breast self-examination, and experience with clinical breast exam.ResultsThe survey was administered to 432 Muslim and 339 Christian women. Fewer Muslim women knew someone with breast cancer (31% v 66%; P < .001) or had previously identified a concerning mass in their breast (16% v 65%; P < .001). Both groups believed that new breast masses should be evaluated at clinic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.58 to 2.01), but Muslim women were less likely to know that breast cancer can be effectively treated (AOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.50). Muslim women were less likely to have performed breast self-examination (AOR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.88) or to have undergone clinical breast exam (AOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.84).ConclusionMuslim women were found to be less likely to participate in breast health activities compared with Christian women, which highlights the need to consider how religious customs within subpopulations might impact a woman’s engagement in breast health activities. As breast awareness initiatives are scaled up in Ghana and other LMICs, it is essential to consider the unique perception and participation deficits of specific groups.

Evaluation on the Practice and Behaviour of Women Applied for Gynecology Outpatient Clinics About Screening Methods for Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer.

Breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast exam (CBE), mammography and ultrasound imaging (UI) are screening methods used for early diagnosis of breast cancer (BC). The purpose of this study is to put forth the utilization frequency of these screening methods among women presenting to the gynecology outpatient clinics and the relation of these data with the socio-demographic characteristics of the women. A survey was conducted among 429 women (age, 16-80 years) who were admitted to the gynecology outpatient clinics. The survey inquired about the rate and frequency of the performance of BSE, CBE, mammography and UI; personal and family history of breast cancer and social-demographic characteristics of the women. The mean age was 40.08 (SD: 3.67). More than half of the women above 40 years of age (59.7 %) had never undergone mammography. 99.8 % of the women who had undergone mammography had also received ultrasound imaging. A significant relationship was identified between the BSE performance and having mammography. 57.4% of the women above 40 years of age (117) had UI, 53.9% (110) had CBE and 57.3% (117) performed BSE. There was a significant relationship between the age, education status and regular BSE; positive family history of BC and having CBE and mammography. The results reveal that the rate of BSE performance, having mammography and CBE are at less-than-ideal levels. In this context, it is apparent that breast cancer screening methods are needed to be introduced and guidance about their application frequency should be provided for women in gynecology outpatient clinics.

Role Playing for Improving Women’s Knowledge of Breast Cancer Screening and Performance of Breast Self-Examination

Background:To enhance knowledge and performance of screening as a strategy to control breast cancer, use of effective teaching methods is necessary. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of role-playing on knowledge of breast cancer screening and performance of breast self-examination (BSE).Methods:A quasi experimental design was used. Women enrolled in community cultural centers (n=314) were randomly divided into two educational groups: role playing (intervention) and lecture (control). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire before and after intervention. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined as 0.80 by Cronbach’s alpha. The women were followed up regarding performance of BSE one month later.Results:Of the 314 women, 113 (36%) and 132 (42%) had low and medium levels of knowledge, respectively. More than a third (38.2%) reported that TV and radio were the most important information sources for breast cancer and screening. There were significant differences between mean scores of knowledge before and after the intervention in both groups, but change was greater with role playing (31.3±1.9 as compared to 23.5±1.3) (P=0.001). After a month of educational intervention, 75.7% and 69.8% of those in role playing and control groups had undergone BSE.Conclusion:It appears that application of a role playing method by providers improves women’s knowledge and behavior with respect to breast cancer screening.

Educational Intervention on Breast Self-Examination Behavior in Women Referred to Health Centers: Application of Health Belief Model

Introduction and aims:Screening can play a major role in reducing deaths associated with cancer. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a cheap, non-complicated and non-invasive method for breast cancer screening. This study aimed to examine the effects of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on BSE behavior in women referred to health centers in Fasa, Iran.Methods:This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 92 women, divided into an experimental and a control group. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, knowledge, HBM constructs and breast self-examination performance. An educational program was performed in five sessions through group discussion with questions and answers and training videos for participants in the experimental group. Questionnaires were filled before and three months after the intervention in the two groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS-22 software for descriptive and analytical statistics.Results:The results of this study showed that the mean scores for knowledge, HBM constructs and self-examination behavior in the experimental group were elevated compared to the control group after the intervention (P<0.001).Conclusions:Education based on the HBM is effective in promoting breast self-examination behavior. Thus development and implementation of training programs based on the model are proposed for officers involved in education and health promotion in Iran.

Predictors of breast self-examination performance among Jordanian university female students.

Breast cancer is considered one of the main types of cancer among female worldwide and in Jordan also. Early detection of it will improve the prognosis and decrease the mortality rate also. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the predictors of breast self-examination performance among Jordanian university female students. Across-sectional design was utilised in this study. A sample of 100 participants was completed the study survey (The Champion's Health Belief Model Scale). The main results or regression analysis showed that confidence (β=.71, p<.0001) and perceived barriers (β=-.061, p=.0004) were significant predictors of breast self-examination performance. In summary, other variables of Health belief model were found not be significant indicators of BSE performance in this study. However, the HBM is considered a valid framework to assess the predictors of breast self-examination knowledge, attitude, beliefs and barriers among Jordanian college female students.

Knowledge about Risk Factors for Breast Cancer and Having a Close Relative with Cancer Affect the Frequency of Breast Self-Examination Performance.

Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing in North-Eastern Brazil and the patients with the disease often presented at advanced stages. The present study was focused on identifying variables that affect women's frequency of breast self- examination (BSE) performance. Data on BSE, socio-economic parameters and risk factors for breast cancer were obtained from 417 women from a community in North-Eastern Brazil by a self-informant method. To identify independent variables that affect frequency of BSE, nominal logistic regression analysis was performed. Of 417 women, 330 (79.3%) reported performing BSE. Compared to high-income women, BSE performance by low-income women every month was 7.69 (OD=0.130; CI 95%: 0.044- 0.0386; p=0.000) times lower. Women who did not live in a stable union performed BSE each month 2.73 (OD=0.366; CI 95%: 0.171-0.782; p=0.010) less often than those living in a stable union. BSE performance every month and every six months or every year by women with poor knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer was 3.195 (OD=0.313; CI 95%: 0.141- 0.695; p=0.004) times and 2.028 (OD=0.493; CI 95%: 0.248- 0.979; p=0.043) times lower, compared to women with good knowledge. Participants who had a close relative with cancer performed BSE every month and every six months or every year 2.132 (OD=0.469; CI 95%: 0.220-0.997; p=0.049) times and 2.337 (OD=0.428; CI 95%: 0.219-0.836; p=0.013) times less often, compared to those women without close relatives with cancer. The results of this study indicated that income, marital status, knowledge about risk factors and having a close relative with breast cancer, affect the frequency of BSE performance. Information about risk factors in public health campaigns could additionally strengthen avoidance behaviour and also motivate BSE performance.