Perform Breast Self-examination Research Articles

Investigation of Beliefs and Practices of University Students Regarding Breast Self-Examination

Objective: Aim of this study was to investigate university students' knowledge, behaviour and awareness of breast self-examination and health beliefs about early detection of breast cancer. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 610 university students. Data were collected between November 2022 and April 2023 using “Personal Information Form” and “Champion Breast Cancer Health Belief Model Scale”. Results: Students had knowledge about breast cancer (72.0%), knew how to perform breast self-examination (62.8%) and learnt it from internet (46.9%). Students performed breast self-examination once a month (36.8%) and whenever they remembered (74.2%). The familial risk factors significantly increased the sensitivity levels of students. The region where they came from increased the level of taking the disease seriously (p

Self-Efficacy of Breast Self-Examination among Female Adolescents

Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s ability to perform a task confidently and successfully. Self-efficacy of breast self-examination is key to early detection of any abnormality that could lead to breast cancer. Evidence has shown a correlation between self-efficacy of breast self-examination and performance of breast self-examination. Self-efficacy of breast self-examination could be determined by performance accomplishments, vicarious experience (learning from people or observing breast self-examination being done), verbal persuasion (encouragement received from someone to perform breast self-examination), and physiological/emotional states (emotional reactions to performing breast self-examination). Female adolescents should be educated to acquire self-efficacy to perform breast self-examination since adolescence is a critical period for developing lifelong habits, attitudes, forming health-related lifestyles, and behaviours for the future. Breast self-examination performed monthly at the right time using the right techniques will aid in the early detection of breast cancer. Consistent breast self-examinations are the best protection in detecting early breast cancers.

The effect of a virtual educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on women’s skills of breast self- examination

BackgroundCorrectly, performing breast self-examination (BSE) has an important role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer and prevention of women's mortality due to it. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual education programs on breast self-examination, self-efficacy, and skills.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 146 women who were 18–59 years old (73 in each intervention, and control group) working in Fars Oil Industry. Data collection tools included the researcher-made knowledge questionnaire (10 items), the self-efficacy questionnaire of Champion and Scott (10 item), and Wood’s breast self-examination skill questionnaire (23 items). The participants were selected by systematic random sampling and divided into intervention and control groups through Permuted blocks randomization. A four-week virtual educational interventions were conducted for the intervention group through the WhatsApp messenger by sharing educational videos, booklets, and posters. The control group received no education. The questionnaires were completed by both groups, before and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 using frequency descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and paired t-test.ResultsThe knowledge mean scores showed no significant differences in participants in the two groups before and after the intervention. The mean score of self-efficacy increased significantly, in both the intervention (p < 0.001) and control (P = 0.025) groups. After the intervention, the mean scores of BSE skills in the intervention group were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the control group.ConclusionVirtual education using social networks alone is not able to increase and improve all aspects of BSE skills sufficiently.

Attitudes and Related Factors of Women in Turkey Towards Cancer Screening: Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to examine women's attitudes and related factors towards cancer screening in Turkey. Methods: This analytical-cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2022. The universe of the study consisted of all women between the ages of 30-70 in Turkey, and the sample included 335 women. The data of the study were collected online with the “Personal Information Form’’ and “Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening”. Results: The average Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening total score of the women participating in the study was 84.36±14.55. Of the women who participated in the study, 33.1% did not perform breast self-examination, 63.1% did not perform clinical breast examination, 49.5% did not perform Pap smear and HPV-DNA testing, 60.9% did not perform mammography, 76.1% did not perform fecal occult blood testing and 93.8% did not perform colonoscopy. It was determined that education status, breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, Pap Smear and HPV-DNA test frequencies, and knowing the places where cancer screening was performed affected the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening score averages (F = 8.729, p = 0.000). Conclusion: It was determined that the attitudes of the women participating in the study towards cancer screening were moderate. Several factors are done affect attitudes towards cancer screening.

Breast self-examination among female medical students at Damascus University: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionBreast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death in Syria. In young females, it is a serious complication, making it crucial to raise awareness about the disease and its early detection methods. Given the challenging circumstances that Syrians face, regular visits to medical centers for mammography are often not feasible. Therefore, breast self-examination (BSE) is a valuable tool for detecting cancer. Educating girls in medical colleges is key to disseminating knowledge about BSE among women, as they will become future healthcare providers and can share accurate information with their families. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the medical faculties of Damascus University (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy), Syria. The study utilized a structured questionnaire on Google Forms with four sections. The questionnaire was prepared electronically, and shared as an online link in formal university groups on social media. Data collection started on September 19, 2022, and ended on October 19 of the same year. Participation was accepted from female students in medical colleges, ranging from second to fifth year (for dental and pharmacy students) and sixth year (for medical students). Data from other students and incomplete data were excluded. Results589 female medical students from three faculties (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) filled out the questionnaire. Only 57 % of the students demonstrated a good attitude towards BSE, and 79.6 % of them agreed or strongly agreed that they avoid BSE due to fear of the consequences of breast cancer. Regarding BSE knowledge, 89.6 % of the participants reported previously hearing about BSE, and 55.7 % of them had performed BSE before. The factors that were accompanied by better knowledge about BSE were: a good attitude towards BSE; previously performed BSE; studying in a medical faculty; study years for medical and pharmacy students; and higher college average grades. Whereas, having a medical relative and having a family member with a history of BC surprisingly do not impact the knowledge. ConclusionThe study, conducted at Damascus University in Syria, assessed the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female medical college students. The results indicate a moderate level of knowledge and limited practical experience in performing breast self-examination. These findings highlight the urgent need to emphasize the importance of promoting and teaching this method to a wider population of women in society.

Risk Assessment Tool of Breast Cancer and Barriers against Breast Self-Examination among Nurses: An Educational Program

Purpose. Breast cancer is considered a huge health problem among women all over the world due to its increased mortality rate. Breast cancer deaths are decreased by 28–34% due to improvement in treatment and early detection. In order to detect breast cancer early and provide the best possible therapy, knowledge and awareness are essential. So, this study aimed to assess risk of breast cancer among nurses, the knowledge and practices of breast self-examination (BSE) and determine its barriers, and implement an educational program for them. Design. A quasiexperimental research design was used. Methods. This study was conducted at two university hospitals (main university hospital and woman’s health hospital). A purposive sample of 280 nurses with age more than thirty-five years were included in the study using three tools, namely, structure interview questionnaire, breast cancer risk assessment tool, and a structured breast cancer knowledge and practice questionnaire. Nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding breast cancer and BSE were first assessed and then they were provided with two educational courses covering theoretical and practical information. One month after the program ended, the nurses’ knowledge and practices were assessed again. Results. About 3.2% of the participants have five years high risk of developing breast cancer according the risk assessment tool, the main barriers of do not do BSE did not find any symptoms and scared from finding any abnormality. There was a significant increase in knowledge and practice of breast self-examination posteducation compared to pre-education (73.2 and 98.2%, respectively). Also, there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and postprogram with a p value of 0.0001. Conclusion. This study concluded that 3.2% of the nurses with high risk of developing breast cancer needed a follow-up; more than half of them do not perform breast self-examination because they think that do not have any symptoms in the breast and the educational program with a significant effect on knowledge and practices of nurses. So, the researchers recommend the nurses need for an empowerment program and support by providing assistance in places of work as done free clinical examination and mammography by female specialist for privacy.

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF BREAST EXAMINATION EXAMINATION (BEST SELF-EXAMINATION) ON KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCY OF WUS PERFORMING EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER

Background : The only effective way that can be done for early detection of the possibility of this disease is to perform Breast Self-Examination (BSE) which can reduce the mortality rate by 25-30%. For women who have a low level of knowledge and understanding about breast cancer and how to detect it, it is necessary to provide information about breast cancer and how to detect it, namely BSE since adolescence (Viviyawati, 2014) Objective: to measure the ability of WUS on BSE, then analyze the level of change before and after being given counseling. This research was conducted in Pejaten Village, Kramatwatu Subdistrict, Serang Banten. The approach used in this research is to use a comparative approach. The research method used is to use the analytical survey method. The results showed that the knowledge of WUS in Pejaten Village about BSE experienced a very significant increase after being given counseling, knowledge at pretest was 21% good, then 83% good at posttest/after counseling. Likewise, the results on the ability to practice BSE before being given counseling 98% have not been able to do BSE, to 95% are able to do BSE after counseling. Wilcoxon test results obtained a significance value of 0.000 (p &lt;0.05), the calculated Z value of - 8.464. This means that BSE counseling has an effect on WUS knowledge about early detection of breast cancer in Pejaten Village, Serang Banten in 2022. Likewise, the Wilcoxon test results on the respondent's ability to practice BSE is 0.000 (p &lt;0.05), the Z count value is -8.672.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Breast Self-Examination Among Women Aged 35 to 65 Years in the Commune of Mbour (Senegal)

Introduction: Breast cancer is second only to cervical cancer in Senegal. It has a high mortality rate because of its late diagnosis and the inadequacy and availability of treatment. In countries with limited resources, breast self-examination is still a means of early diagnosis of breast cancer. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice of BSE in the commune of Mbour. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place from 01 to 30 July 2022 in the commune of Mbour. The study population consisted of women aged 35 to 65 years who had been living in the study area for more than three months. Sampling was carried out using a two-stage cluster survey. Results: A total of 599 women were surveyed. The average age of the women was 44.3 years. Educated women represented 56.3% of the sample. Married women accounted for 81.4% of the sample and those engaged in an income-generating activity 64.9%. The overall level of knowledge was average, with 57.9% correctly answering questions about breast cancer and breast self-examination. The most frequent sources of information are the media, with television (77.1%), radio (53.4%) and written media (35.2%). Health professionals are also an important source of information, with 43.9% of women informed by this source. Overall, 78.5% (471) of the women surveyed had the &amp;apos;right&amp;apos; attitude and 20.9% the &amp;apos;wrong&amp;apos; attitude. We noted in the series that 10.9% (65) of women performed breast self-examination adequately according to the recommended technique. However, 22.7% (136) of women performed BSE inadequately. The practice of BSE was higher in women over 50 (72.3%) than in women under 50, with a statistically significant difference (p&amp;lt;0.05). It is noted that women&amp;apos;s level of education had a significant influence (p&amp;lt;0.05) on the practice of BSE, with 69.2% of women who practiced BSE being educated. In contrast, women&amp;apos;s marital status and the exercise of income-generating-activity among women had no influence on the practice of BSE. Conclusion: In order to improve the practice of breast self-examination, it is important to strengthen communication aimed at women through the media and healthcare personnel.

The Relation between Breast Cancer Fear and Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors of Female Healthcare Professionals

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between breast cancer fear and breast cancer prevention behaviors of female healthcare professionals (HCPs). Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study involved a convenience sample of 338 nurses, midwives and physicians working at a state hospital in Turkey. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews with the participants using Personal Information Form, Breast Cancer Fear Scale (BCFS), and Scale of Factors Affecting Women’s Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors (ASSISTS).The data were analyzed by using Independent Samples t Test, One-way ANOVA, Tukey and Pearson’s correlation tests. Results: The mean scores on BCFS and ASSISTS were 26.71±7.65 and 123.36±15.49 respectively, indicating breast cancer fear were high and breast cancer prevention behaviors were moderately. The higher breast cancer prevention behavior scores among the HCPs who were working longer years, working longer years in night shift, those having breast problems, and undergone breast biopsy, those performing breast self-examination, undergone clinical breast examination and mammography (p0.05). Conclusion: Professional education in breast cancer prevention behaviors and addressing fear on breast cancer are likely to result in reduced barriers to develop prevention behaviors.

Breast Self-Examination Practice and Associated Factors among Rural Women in Hai Duong Province, Viet Nam: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the practice level of breast self-examination among rural women, and some factors related to this level of research participants.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 309 women living in some rural areas of Hai Duong province, Vietnam from January to June 2022. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software, and a Chi-square test was used to determine factors related to some demographic characteristics and breast self-examination practices of rural women.&#x0D; Findings: The study results show that 70.6% of rural women have never performed breast self-examination, in addition, 15.9% practiced every once a month. For evaluation of breast self-examination practice through direct observation shows that only 17.5% of women practice at level with passed. Family history of breast cancer and monthly income of rural women were related to the level of breast self-examination practice (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: The percentage of rural women practicing breast self-examination following steps by steps correctly was low. Therefore, conducting an educational program to guide breast self-examination practice is necessary for rural women to help them proactively screen and early detect breast-related diseases, especially breast cancer.

Effect of monthly reminders by telephone message on women's beliefs and practice behaviours regarding breast self-examination: A randomized controlled study.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of monthly telephone message reminders after training on women's beliefs and practice behaviours regarding breast self-examination. This randomized controlled study was conducted with 83 women aged 20-69 years living in Turkey between September 2021 and July 2022. Women were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention (n = 41) or control group (n = 42), both groups received online breast self-examination training, and the intervention group received monthly reminders on their mobile phones for 3 months. Participants completed the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale and breast self-examination practice evaluation form at baseline and 3 months after intervention. After the intervention, the mean scores of the benefits and self-efficacy subscales of Champion's Health Belief Model Scales were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group, and the mean score of barriers was lower. The rate of performing breast self-exam regularly and at the appropriate time was higher in the intervention group. The rate of forgetting to perform breast self-examination was higher in control group. A monthly reminder message may be recommended to increase women's belief in breast self-examination and increase regular practice.

The knowledge of hereditary breast cancer, and attitude and intention towards genetic testing of the patients with high-risk hereditary breast cancer

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the knowledge of hereditary breast cancer (HBC) and attitudes and intention towards genetic testing of the patients with high-risk HBC, and to describe their differences according to the intention of genetic test. Methods: High-risk HBC patients (n = 138) who did not take genetic test or relevant counseling were recruited in D city, Korea. Participants completed questionnaires including demographic characteristics, knowledge of HBC, and attitudes and intention of genetic test. Results: The average score of knowledge on HBC was 9.59±2.32, and the average positive and negative attitude scores were 31.36±4.12 and 24.13±4.78, respectively. The benefit of genetic test rated as most important was “to help my daughters or sisters decide whether to undergo genetic testing” and “to motivate me to perform breast self-examination more frequently”. The most important perceived limitation was “if I were found to carry the gene, my concerns about my female offspring developing breast cancer would increase.” Of the participants, 40.6% indicated willingness to test their genes and 48.6% considered it. Participants with a partner (p=.043) and higher educational level (p=.005) showed significantly lower willingness to test. Conclusion: These results suggest that high-risk HBC patients understand important facts regarding the inheritance of breast cancer and genetic test and their interest in genetic testing is substantial. Considering previous reports that perceptions of the benefits of genetic testing were important predictors of genetic test utilization, the developments of educational and counseling programs to deliver proper knowledge are necessary.

Breast Cancer Awareness Among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, and second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Early detection of BC significantly improves prognosis; thus, awareness is an important aspect of BC morbidity and survival as well as the economic burden. This systematic review aimed to explore awareness of BC among women in Saudi Arabia. A systematic search was performed using Medline, Scopus, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Google Scholar for all cross-sectional studies conducted in Saudi Arabia, published after the year 2000 and in English. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the AXIS tool. The total number of included articles after full-text assessment was 13 articles that were conducted between 2005 and 2022. The sample size of all the articles was 7,562 women. All the studies categorized BC awareness into low, moderate, and high groups. The level of low awareness among women reached 66.3% (n=2808), 13.5% (n=570) had moderate awareness levels, and 20.2% (n=858) had high awareness levels. Furthermore, 59.4% (n=1446) of the participants did not perform breast self-examination (BSE) regularly. The level of awareness and knowledge regarding BC and BSE was significantly low among women in Saudi Arabia, as all included studies except one have indicated. We highly recommend and urge the implementation of effective special programs and campaigns to raise awareness regarding BC and integrating BSE into school health programs dedicated to women living in Saudi Arabia.

Breast cancer surveillance in BRCA positive Sri Lankan women: health equity for a high-risk group at a limited resource setting

BackgroundBRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants account for 90% of hereditary breast malignancies, incurring a lifetime breast cancer risk of 85% and 40–45% respectively, in affected individuals. Well-resourced health care settings offer genetic counselling and genetic screening for susceptible individuals, followed by intense breast cancer surveillance programmes for those identified at high risk of breast cancer. Such high standards of care are not available in countries with limited resources. This study assessed breast cancer surveillance behaviors among a cohort of BRCA positive Sri Lankan women.MethodsA retrospective case review of all patients diagnosed with pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes from 2015 to 2022 at the Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo was carried out followed by telephone interviews of the respondents. Patients who were not contactable, deceased, undergone bilateral mastectomy and males were excluded from the interview component of the study. Standard descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS statistics version 25.ResultsOnly 25 patients were diagnosed during the study period:14/25 women responded (6/25 deceased, 3/25 non-contactable; 2/25 excluded). 71.4% (10/14) had performed breast self-examination during the preceding month; 35.7% (5/14) had a clinical breast examination (CBE), and 50% (7/14) had undergone a screening/diagnostic mammogram during the last one year. 28.5% (4/14) had undergone both mammography and CBE; 21.45% (3/14) mammogram only, 7.1% (1/14) had CBE only. 42.8%(6/14) had not undergone any surveillance(mammography, CBE or MRI). None had dual screening with mammogram and MRI. 85.71% (12/14) women expressed willingness to participate in a regular screening programme if made available.ConclusionFifty percent of BRCA1/2 positive women in our study had not undergone annual imaging-based surveillance by mammography or MRI, and none had undergone annual dual screening with mammography and MRI, indicating inadequate breast cancer surveillance in this high-risk group.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF MARRIED FEMALE REGARDING BREAST CANCER PREVENTION AT A RURAL COMMUNITY, LAHORE

This study was conducted in a rural community to study the status of knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination among married females above 30. Breasts are crucial in defining the female body's special function. One should have a brief idea of what is normal for the breast and not. The reason for conducting this study was to enable women to know the facts and causes of breast cancer and amputation in later stages to stimulate the women of the area to seek proper medical attention when needed. To identify married females' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breast cancer prevention in a rural community, Lahore. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural community. For this purpose, a simple random sampling technique was utilized for participant recruitment. A sample size of 80 was calculated for predicted event frequency. The researchers in the community administered the questionnaire. The data was evaluated using SPSS Statistical Software. And presented as frequency and percentage. Eighty females were selected from the community, and an adaptive, closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of BSE in the community. The majority of the women were literate. The study revealed that among the 68.8% of females who have heard about breast self-examination, 95% of females think that breast self-examination is necessary. 88.8% of females think breast self-examination helps in the early detection of breast cancer. 65% of females know that breast self-examination should be performed once a month and 58.8 % know how to perform breast self-examination correctly. 62.5% of females are fully aware of its benefits. 52.5% of females know that breast self-examination is performed on the arm and upper chest areas. 76.3% don't have a family history of breast cancer. 61.3% of females think that if there is no history of breast cancer, there is no need to practice breast self-examination. 92.5% of females know that breast self-examination is a good practice for all women must be taught. The study's result was that the community's knowledge was good. The efforts of the health department and the collaboration of media groups can further increase it.

What is the uptake rate of breast self-examination in Iranian women? Estimation based on systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundBreast self-examination is a simple, painless, confidential and inexpensive screening method for early diagnosis that does not require specialized tools and equipment. In this study, we have estimated the pooled percentage of breast self-examination (BSE) in Iranian women.MethodsAll the published literatures between 2012 and 2022 have been reviewed. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scientific Information and Magiran databases. The effect size was the pooled percentage of breast self-examination (BSE). In order to check the heterogeneity, the estimation of the I2 index and extraction of the Galbraith plot were used, and the drivers of heterogeneity have been identified through meta-regression and estimates were made based on subgroups. All the analysis was done in STATA 15.ResultsFrom the initial 294 records, 38 were included in the final analysis in which 9960 women have been studied. The heterogeneity of the studies was high based on the variation in OR (I2 = 98.4%, heterogeneity X2 = 2278.21 (d.f. = 37), p < 0.01). The pooled rate of BSE based on fixed and random methods was obtained as 15.46 (95% CI: 14.83 to 16.09) and 24.74 (95% CI: 19.62 to 29.86) percent, respectively. The highest pooled percentage BSE (39.41%, 95% CI: 30.98 to 47.83) was obtained from studies that investigated the action phase in the Trans theoretical model. The pooled percentage obtained from the studies conducted in the central regions of Iran was higher than other cities (27.47%, 95% CI: 17.38 to 37.55).ConclusionThe result from our analysis determined that performing breast self-examination in Iranian women is low. Health policy makers can increase the rate of breast self-examination in Iran by implementing basic educational programs in schools and encouraging and justifying women in social health centers.

Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self Examination among Female Students of Tertiary Institutions in Abia State, Nigeria

Background: Early detection and diagnosis of illnesses by screening is a key public health premise. Breast self-examination is a cheap and convenient method of early detection of cancer of the breast, especially in resource poor countries; Women who frequently perform breast self-examinations (BSE) look for any lumps or abnormal changes in order to seek immediate medical assistance. There is increasing incidence of detection of breast cancer among young women, this has been attributed to a lack of knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE).&#x0D; Aim: To determine the knowledge, and practice of routine breast self-examination among the female students of tertiary institutions in Abia State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 609 female students from five tertiary institutions in Abia State, Nigeria. Research instruments were structured, self-administered and pretested questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25). &#x0D; Results: Majority of the participants were between the ages of 18-22 years. Majority of the respondents had heard of BSE (88.8%) mostly from social media (37.7%). A good number knew the steps involved in BSE (72.7%); while 467(76.7%) of respondents, had practiced BSE before. However, frequency of practice was low, and majority who didn’t practice frequently cited forgetfulness (38.5%) as their major reason. Most respondents agreed that BSE was very relevant (72.4%), and that families needed to be taught BSE (98.4%). Most respondents (81.3%) had no family history of breast lump while 87.8% had no family history of breast cancer. Occupation of respondents’ father was associated with knowledge of BSE and this was statistically significant; p&lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study demonstrates good knowledge, and good practice, however frequency of practice was low.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Omani Women on Breast Self-Examination in Oman: A Grounded Theory

Breast cancer is considered one of the most health-threatening among women, and it has been deemed the greatest deadly type of disease all over the world. Internationally, breast cancer is considered the top cause of morbidity and mortality among women. Breast cancer is number one in many countries and is the second leading cause of death among women in the world. However, breast cancer can be encountered through health education and proper practice of breast self-examination. Objective: The study aimed to explore knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among young Omani women and their mothers. Methods: This study used a qualitative design, guided by a grounded theory approach. The researchers communicated with young Omani women and their mothers to study their knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination. Semi-structured interviews with 15 young Omani women (aged 16-18 years) and their mothers were conducted. This study was conducted in the North Batinah Governorate of Oman at three secondary girls’ schools from February 2022 to October 2022. At the beginning of the data collection, purposive sampling was used, which relied on inclusion criteria. Then the theoretical sample was used up to the point of data saturation. Variation was considered when recruiting young women and their mothers such as various age groups, various residence places, various schools and various levels of education. Results: Two main categories emerged from the consistent analysis of the data: “Constructing knowledge and attitude” and “Practicing Breast Self-Examination”. The data revealed that many young women and their mothers had some information on breast self-examination and its importance. They also had positive attitude towards breast self-examination. Many mothers were not practicing breast self-examination because they perceived breast self-examination was not important before the age of 40. Majority of women do not have skills to conduct breast self-examination. Conclusion: Knowing what young women and their mothers know about breast self-examination, their attitude towards this examination and the practice of breast self-examination would help in the development of a program about breast self-examination in Oman to educate the women about the appropriate age to perform breast self-examination and to develop women’s skills in breast self-examination.

Investigating Women's Risk Factors for Breast Cancer and Their Knowledge and Attitudes towards Early Diagnosis in Nasiriyah City/Iraq

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors of women over the age of 40 for breast cancer and their knowledge and attitudes towards early diagnosis in Nasiriyah city of Iraq. Materials and Methods: The study used a descriptive and cross-sectional design, and it was carried out on 120 women aged over 40 who presented to two different primary health care centers in Iraq between February and March 2020. Results: Of the total of women in the study, 6.66% had a history of breast cancer, 21.70% had a family history of breast cancer, 24.20% had benign breast disease, the first menarche age of 0.80% was 11 or below, and 6.66% had received radiotherapy to the chest area. It was determined that 83,30% of the women had a BMI value of 25 or above, 72,50% did not exercise, and that 50% had given birth to their first child at the age of 30 or over. When the knowledge and attitudes of women towards early diagnosis of breast cancer were examined, it was found that 51,60% performed Breast Self-Examination (BSE) irregularly, 78,80% had not had a clinical breast examination (CBE) before, and that 88,30% had not had mammography. Conclusion: It was determined that women in Iraq need training on overweight and obesity and physical activity, which are lifestyle-related risk factors. Also, it was found that women's attitudes towards BSE, CBE, and mammography were low and that their awareness and attitudes need to be improved on these issues.

Prática do autoexame das mamas em professoras e auxiliares de serviços gerais da Escola EMEF Prof.ª Izaura de Almeida Silva do município de Boa Esperança – ES

Introduction: Breast cancer is a neoplasm that affects millions of women worldwide and has become a major public health problem. Studies show an increase in the incidence of breast cancer mortality, which can be diagnosed early through breast self-examination (BSE), thus reducing the prevalence of mortality. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of female teachers and general service assistants from the morning and afternoon shifts at the Izaura de Almeida Silva school in the municipality of Boa Esperança - ES, about breast self-examination. Methodology: This is a descriptive, exploratory and quantitative study which analyzed the practice of breast self-examination in 16 teachers and 8 general service assistants. Results: Regarding the level of knowledge about breast self-examination, 87.50% of the general service assistants knew about breast self-examination and 12.50% did not, 93.75% of the teachers knew about MSA and 6.25% said they did not know. As for the frequency with which they perform breast self-examination, 37.50% of the general service assistants answered annually, 12.50% answered every six months and 50% answered that they do not perform breast self-examination. 12.50% of the female teachers said that they do it monthly; 31.25% annually; 18.75% every six months and 37.50% said that they don't do it. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study emphasize the importance of educational campaigns that provide more comprehensive information, educating and encouraging women to perform breast self-examination.