Perform Breast Self-examination Research Articles

Non-Practice of Breast Self Examination and Marital Status are Associated with Delayed Presentation with Breast Cancer

Delay in seeking treatment for breast cancer is a barrier to the early diagnosis and management of the disease, resulting in a poorer prognosis. We here estimated the prevalence of delayed presentation for breast cancer and identified possible influential sociodemographic factors in a cross-sectional study of 250 patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer at the Radiotherapy and Oncology Clinic in Kuala Lumpur Hospital. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire and from medical records. We examined associations between delayed presentation (presenting to a physician more than 3 months after self-discovery of a symptom) and sociodemographic characteristics, practice of breast self examination (BSE), history of benign breast disease, family history of breast cancer and type of symptom, symptom disclosure and advice from others to seek treatment using multiple logistic regression. Time from self-discovery of symptom to presentation ranged from tghe same day to 5 years. Prevalence of delayed presentation was 33.1% (95%CI: 27.4, 39.3). A significantly higher proportion of delayers presented with late stages (stage III/IV) (58.3% vs. 26.9%, p<0.001). Divorced or widowed women (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.11, 4.47) had a higher risk of delayed presentation than married women and women who never performed breast self examination were more likely to delay presentation compared to those who regularly performed BSE (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.33, 5.64). Our findings indicate that delayed presentation for breast cancer symptoms among Malaysian women is high and that marital status and breast self examination play major roles in treatment-seeking for breast cancer symptoms.

Health Beliefs and Practice of Breast Self-Examination Among Young Cypriot Women

Breast cancer is the leading form of cancer affecting Cypriot women. This study is aimed at examining the factors influencing the choice of Cypriot women to perform breast self-examination (BSE). A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study, with a sample of 94 young Cypriot women, was conducted. The Greek version of Champion's Health Belief Model was used. Various statistical tests were implemented. Almost all women (91.5%) had heard about BSE, and 71.3% had performed it sometime in the past. The susceptibility factor was significant in influencing women's behavior, while barriers and self-confidence were associated with practicing BSE. Knowledge on BSE and a high level of education were positively related with the frequency of practicing BSE. Proper education on BSE is important in shaping young women's attitudes. Any related health strategy should consider the concepts of Health Belief Model, especially the factors that make a female susceptible to breast cancer.

Knowledge of women and men about breast cancer prevention

To assess the level of knowledge of men and women about the importance of mammography in preventing breast cancer. The study group comprised 100 men and 100 women of the Provincial Hospital in Biała Podlaska. We used original questionnaires designed by the authors of the present study. Only 14% of women and 20% of men knew that over 4,000 women in Poland die of breast cancer annually. The respondents declared cervical cancer (88% of women and 76% men) and breast cancer (84% of the women and men) to be the major threat and health issue for women. Forty-eight percent of women reported that they had a check-up at their gynecologist in the past six months. Sixty-four percent of women declared that they performed breast self-examination, and 44% of women had examined the breasts more than a year ago. Thirty-eight percent of men did not know when their wife/partner had their breasts examined. Respondents from both groups knew most of the symptoms of suspected cancer. Ninety-seven percent of woman and 78% of man were able to indicate genetic factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. Fifty-two percent of women had a mammogram and 56% had a breast ultrasound. According to the men - 51% and 54% of women (wives/partners) had a mammogram and ultrasound, respectively. Only 47% of women received an invitation for a mammogram and 68% did not respond to it. According to men, 39% of their wives/partners received such as invitation and 68% of them did not use it. Seventy-four percent of the surveyed woman did not have a mammogram and 64% did not undergo a breast ultrasound in the last year. Seventy-six percent of women and 83% of men did not know the contraindications to mammography. Seventy percent of women and 68% of men argued that in order to perform a mammogram, one should consult a doctor for a referral. Sixty-six percent of women and 72% of men thought mammogram was the most effective method of detecting breast cancer. Thirty-two percent of women declared that they possessed knowledge about mammography. According to 65% of women and 66% of men, fear and fear of disease are the factors preventing patients from having a mammogram. Sixty-seven percent of women and 53% of men were of the opinion that the awareness of Polish women about breast cancer is average. Ninety percent of respondents supported the idea of bus mammography. The most well-known organizations involved in prevention of breast cancer proved to be the Amazons (86% of women and 84% men) and the AVON pink ribbon campaign (71% of women and 46% of men). Forty-six percent of women and 65% of men derived their knowledge about cancer from television and 47% of women and 46% of men from newspapers. Half of women and men thought that education about cancer should be initiated as early as middle school. According to the surveyed women the arguments that might convince women to participate in the exam were: the chance to take care of one's health (63%), possibility to have the test performed close to home (44%), no charge for the test (32%), or other unspecified factors (5%). According to respondents, men and women often would benefit from mammography if they could perform it in their neighborhood (62%) or if the mammogram could be performed free of charge (51%). Only half of the women ever had a mammogram, and only one-third of the surveyed females received invitations. As the most important barriers to preventive action, they reported lack of knowledge, lack of financial resources and limited access to mammography. Knowledge of men and women about mammography as a breast cancer prevention method is unsatisfactory. We should make an effort to increase the awareness of women and men about the importance of breast self-exam and participation in organized screening programs.

BREAST CANCER PREVENTION AS A PART OF HEALTH POLICY ACTIVITIES IN LUBLIN PROVINCE

Introduction. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy tumour and it constitutes more than 20% of all cases of cancer among Polish women. Despite the prevalence of many risk factors for breast cancer and negative statistics on morbidity and mortality of women in Poland, in the recent years a number of actions, which have a positive influence on this situation, have been observed. One of them is the prevention programs, which often save health and lives of women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs for breast cancer in the Lublin Macroregion. Material and method. Analysis of the prevention programs reports for breast cancer in 2007, 2008 and 2010 provided by the Regional Centre of Occupational Medicine in Lublin was the research method. Screening tests carried out during the above years covered a total of 3479 women. Results. The mostly studied group of women was ladies between 40-49 years old, who gave birth before the age of 30 years at least once. On average, 53% of the studied women regularly performed breast self-examination. During mammography 64% of women were described as ‘in norm’, 0.8% of women were diagnosed with suspected cancer, while in the remaining participants of the study there were mild changes found. They have been referred for further diagnosis. Conclusion. There is still a request for continued prevention programs, especially among women aged 40-49 years. A request for education in the health prevention field (in theoretical and practical meaning) has also been observed. The percentage of morbidity and mortality from breast cancer in the Lublin Macroregion has decreased in the recent years.

Abstract 4460: Breast cancer knowledge and awareness among high school and college students in mid-Western USA

Abstract Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States among women. Each year approximately 200,000 new cases are reported and 40,000 women succumb to the disease. Early detection and treatment results in good prognosis and higher rates of patient survival; however, despite advanced methods of screening, breast cancer is often detected at an advanced stage when it has metastasized to other organs, particularly in younger, premenopausal patients who typically have a poor understanding of the disease. While educational activities meant to promote breast cancer awareness among women are conducted every year in the USA, especially during the month of October, previous studies show a widespread ignorance of the disease, in both the USA and in women around the world. At present there are no programs in place that specifically promote breast cancer awareness among high school and college students. Such programs would potentially engender the adoption and development of health habits likely to lead to early detection and treatment, including regular screenings and effective self-examination. The main goal of this study was to investigate breast cancer awareness among college and high school students. We used self-administered questionnaires to assess breast cancer perceptions and misconceptions, awareness of risk factors and understanding of breast self-examination. A total of 355 high school students and 132 college students in a Mid-Western area of the USA participated in the study. Our findings were in accordance with previous studies carried out in other regions of the world, showing that a high proportion of students at both high school and college level were largely ignorant of the risk factors associated with breast cancer. Furthermore, a number of misconceptions regarding the disease were common. Only 66% of female college students and 40% of female high school students reported having ever received information on breast self-examination. Interestingly, only half the students who had received instruction reported that they could perform breast self-examination with confidence. Most of the participants however, expressed an eagerness to have more information provided in schools. Consequently we strongly urge the adoption of more breast cancer awareness programs targeting college and high school students. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4460. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4460

Sociodemographic Characteristics of Women Who Engage in Early Breast Cancer Diagnostic Behaviors

The purpose of this study was to assess behaviors and health beliefs concerning early diagnosis of breast cancer among women working in a textile factory in Turkey. The data were collected with tools designed by the researchers. The study population consisted of 167 women working in a textile factory in Izmir, Turkey. According to their responses, 23.4% of the women performed breast self-examinations and 12.6% received clinical breast examinations. Results indicated that 91.6% of the women had no education about breast cancer. Early methods of detecting breast cancer should be included in workplace education programs.

Sociodemographic Characteristics of Women Who Engage in Early Breast Cancer Diagnostic Behaviors: The Case of Turkish Women Working in a Textile Factory

The purpose of this study was to assess behaviors and health beliefs concerning early diagnosis of breast cancer among women working in a textile factory in Turkey. The data were collected with tools designed by the researchers. The study population consisted of 167 women working in a textile factory in Izmir, Turkey. According to their responses, 23.4% of the women performed breast self-examinations and 12.6% received clinical breast examinations. Results indicated that 91.6% of the women had no education about breast cancer. Early methods of detecting breast cancer should be included in workplace education programs.

The effects of an educational program on knowledge of breast cancer, early detection practices and health beliefs of nurses and midwives

To determine the effectiveness of an educational program concerning knowledge of breast cancer, early detection practices and health beliefs of nurses and midwives. Educational programs play an important role in breast cancer preventive behaviour. The study was designed as an experimental post-test only, control group design. The educational program was applied only to the experimental group. The study group included 157,134 nurses and midwives respectively in the experimental and the control group. Participants in the experimental group received an educational program on the breast cancer. One year after the educational program was delivered, data were collected from the two groups using a personal data form and the Turkish version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Descriptive statistics, paired samples t-test, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were conducted in the course of the data analyses. The mean total knowledge score was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The application percentage of mammography and clinical breast examination was higher in the experimental group. There were no significant differences between two groups in performing breast self-examination. The experimental group was significantly more likely to feel confident and motivated, and their total score on the health belief scale was much better than that of the control group. The results of this study showed that educational intervention had a positive impact on knowledge of breast cancer, on practices related to breast cancer, on early detection and on the health beliefs in the experimental group. The educational programs, including techniques to increase the motivation and skills for early detection of breast cancer, should be made widespread in nursing and midwifery. Health beliefs should be considered in planning educational programs about breast cancer. Interventions should be designed to enhance nurses' and midwives' confidence and motivation.

The effectiveness of a nurse-delivered breast health promotion program on breast cancer screening behaviours in non-adherent Turkish women: A randomized controlled trial

Background Few studies have investigated breast health programs to promote rates of having a mammography, clinical breast examination and breast self-examination among non-adherent Turkish women. Objectives To determine the effectiveness of a breast health promotion program on mammography and clinical breast examination use, breast self-examination frequency and proficiency (breast self-examination skills and lump detection), breast health knowledge and health beliefs about breast cancer screening in a sample of Turkish women. Design Experimental (pretest–posttest control group). Setting A community-based setting in Istanbul, Turkey. Participants 190 Non-adherent women (intervention group = 97, control group = 93) aged 41 and older, residing in Istanbul, Turkey. Methods The intervention group ( n = 97) received a 120-min breast health promotion program based on health belief model including a breast health education, film, breast self-examination instruction, and a booklet, a calendar, a card designed specifically for the study. The control group ( n = 93) received general information except breast health. Data were collected before the program, immediately after the program, and at 3- and 6-month post-program. The outcome measures are the mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination frequency, breast self-examination proficiency, breast health knowledge, and health beliefs (perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, benefits to mammography and breast self-examination, barriers of mammography and breast self-examination, confidence in performing breast self-examination). Results The breast health promotion program significantly increased breast self-examination frequency and proficiency and breast health knowledge. No significant differences existed in mammography and clinical breast examination rates between the two groups at 6 months. The program was effective in increasing perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, perceived benefits of mammography and breast self-examination, and confidence of breast self-examination. No significant difference was found between the two groups for perceived barriers to mammography. Conclusions The breast health promotion program was effective in increasing breast self-examination frequency and proficiency in a sample of Turkish women. In addition, it appears to be useful in raising the knowledge of breast health, enhancing confidence in performing breast self-examination, and increasing most health belief levels.

Breast Cancer Knowledge and Early Detection among Hispanic Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer along the U.S.-Mexico Border

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among U.S. Hispanic women. Hispanics are less likely than non-Hispanic White women to be diagnosed at an early stage and survive breast cancer. For this cross-sectional study, we assessed differences in breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices between Hispanic women with (FH+) and without (FH-) a family history of breast cancer in three U.S.-Mexico border counties. Among 137 Hispanic women age 40 and older, FH+ women had levels of knowledge and attitudes about breast cancer similar to those of FH- women. FH+ participants were more likely to have ever performed breast self-examinations, although levels of compliance with screening guidelines did not significantly differ between FH+ and FH- groups. U.S. Hispanic women with a family history of breast cancer constitute an at-risk group for which adhering to preventive screening guidelines could substantially reduce breast cancer mortality.

Breast Cancer Knowledge and Screening Behaviors of the Female Teachers

Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in women. The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer and screening behaviors among 468 female teachers who work in Sivas, Turkey. In this cross-sectional survey, a self-administered, structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Up to one-half (52.4%) of the teachers thought that they had enough knowledge about breast cancer. The sources of that information were television (59.0%), newspapers (48.9%), and health professionals (24.1%); 58.5% of the teachers had a sufficient knowledge level about breast cancer risk factors. The most frequently reported risk factor was family history of breast cancer (94.9%), followed by getting older, high fat diet and having a first child at a late age (68.6%, 51.7%, and 45.1%, respectively). No significant differences were found in knowledge by age groups, having breast-related complaints, teaching experience, or marital status. Among the teachers, 43.9% had performed breast self-examination; yet only 10.5% of them performed it monthly. Only 22.3% of the teachers reported having at least one clinical breast-examination. Among the 136 women over the age of forty years, only 37.5% had had at least one mammogram. A significant association was noted between level of knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and use of breast self-examination. Also, being married and having breast-related complaints were significantly related to practicing clinical breast-examination and mammography. This study revealed a relatively low awareness about the knowledge and practice of screening methods among teachers. The relatively low rates of breast self-examination, clinical breast-examination, and mammography practiced by this group of teachers are of concern and suggest that increased awareness of these methods, their value, and how they should be conducted is needed.

US Preventive Services Task Force and Breast Cancer Screening

THE US PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE (USPSTF) was established more than 2 decades ago as an independent panel of experts in primary care and preventive care with the mandate to conduct rigorous, unbiased assessments of the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of clinical preventive services. The task force uses state-of-the-art methods and explicit criteria for assessing the available evidence and issues recommendations for prevention interventions along with the strength of evidence supporting those recommendations, thereby enabling research on prevention to be translated into clinical practice. Using their usual rigorous methods, including a commissioned systematic review of recent studies and modeling studies of various screening strategies, the USPSTF recently updated the 2002 recommendation statement on screening for breast cancer. Based on thorough evaluation of the available evidence of benefits and harms, the 2009 recommendation statement was updated as follows: the USPSTF recommended “against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years,” but emphasized that “the decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient’s values regarding specific benefits and harms.” The task force also recommended biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years, extending the recommendation beyond the 2002 statement to include women aged 70 to 74 years, but concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to assess additional benefits and harms of screening mammography for women aged 75 years and older. In addition, the task force concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to assess additional benefits and harms of clinical breast examination beyond screening mammography in women aged 40 years or older and also recommended against teaching women how to perform breast self-examination. Despite careful assessment of the science behind the updated guidelines, the USPSTF recommendation statement for breast cancer screening, particularly the recommendation regarding routine mammography screening for women aged 40 to 49 years, immediately generated controversy among physicians, disagreement from professional associations such as the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology, and outrage from some breast cancer survivors and advocacy groups. The term “routine” apparently was a key word meant to clarify the recommendation, but the meaning was lost or misinterpreted by many. Among other issues, there were concerns that the guidelines would result in insurers denying coverage for mammography screening for some patients and allegations that the guidelines were politically motivated, held up as an example of the health care rationing that purportedly will occur after health system reform is enacted. Perhaps the various reactions of the public and concerns about the task force can be better understood by considering that the issue of screening for breast cancer enters “the murky area between mathematics and psychology.” A person’s beliefs and behaviors do not necessarily follow scientific evidence, especially if the perception is that life is at stake. In this issue of JAMA, 4 Commentaries provide insights into important aspects of the USPSTF recommendations and the implications for physicians and patients. Woolf, a former member of the USPSTF and an author of the 2002 recommendations, describes the misperceptions about the task force and clarifies the misinterpretations of the breast cancer screening guidelines yet cautions that “the mammography controversy, now 2 decades old, is not going away.” Woloshin and Schwartz discuss the importance of understanding the benefits and harms of mammography screening for breast cancer, including false-positive screening tests and overdiagnosis, and provide a useful quantitative summary of key data points that could help foster understanding and aid in decision making about mammography screening. Murphy, a physician-scientist and breast cancer survivor, acknowledges the limitations of mammography as a screening test but emphasizes the strong desire of women to achieve an early diagnosis of breast cancer and high-

Mammography and mammographic screening:are female patients of a teaching hospital in lagos aware?

PURPOSE To determine the level of awareness of mammography and mammographic screening amongst women in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS A structured questionnaire was administered to 555 consecutively recruited women who visited various clinics at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, between January 2009 and June 2009. RESULTS The mean age of respondents was 38.16 ± 9 years, and the majority (59.6%) had a tertiary education. A family history of breast cancer was present in 33 (6.0%) women, less than 20% of whom had undergone mammography. Only 20% of all subjects were aware of the recommendation that they should receive routine mammography and mammographic screenings on an annual or biannual basis, depending on their age, and of the side effects associated with the procedure. The mass media was women's main source of information regarding these procedures. The majority (67.6%) of participants confirmed that they performed breast self-examinations, though less than 5% of them had had their breasts examined by mammography. CONCLUSION This study revealed a rather low level of awareness about mammography and mammographic screening, indicating the need to educate women about the risk of breast cancer and the importance of screening as a tool for the early detection and treatment of this condition.

Risk Factors for Reproductive and Breast Cancers among Older Lesbians

To determine if older lesbians have more breast and gynecological cancer risk factors compared with their heterosexual sisters. Using multiple methods, including respondent-driven sampling with the lesbian as the index participant, a sample of 370 lesbian-heterosexual sister pairs aged >or=40 completed an anonymous survey about their health. For this secondary data analysis, we extracted data on an older subset of this group, those sister pairs with at least one sister >50 years (n = 42 pairs or 84 women). For this project, we explored the breast and gynecological risk factors for cancer in these women. Comparisons between the sisters were generated using paired t tests, analysis of variance (ANCOVA), and McNemar's chi-square. Compared with their sisters, lesbians had significantly more education (p < 0.001), fewer pregnancies (p < 0.001), less total months pregnant (p < 0.001), fewer children (p < 0.001), and fewer total months breastfeeding (p < 0.001). Lesbians in this sample tended to have higher body mass indices (BMI) (p = 0.08) and to exercise fewer times per week (p = 0.07). Differences in smoking and alcohol use were not statistically significantly different. The lesbians performed breast self-examinations significantly less than their sisters (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that older lesbians may have greater risk factors for some, not all, reproductive cancers when compared with their heterosexual sisters, specifically, increased risk for breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer but decreased risk for cervical cancer. Further research should be done to determine if these risks translate into actual disease for lesbians as well as culturally appropriate ways to modify the risks among lesbians.

Screening for Breast Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Update of the 2002 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation statement on screening for breast cancer in the general population. The USPSTF examined the evidence on the efficacy of 5 screening modalities in reducing mortality from breast cancer: film mammography, clinical breast examination, breast self-examination, digital mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging in order to update the 2002 recommendation. To accomplish this update, the USPSTF commissioned 2 studies: 1) a targeted systematic evidence review of 6 selected questions relating to benefits and harms of screening, and 2) a decision analysis that used population modeling techniques to compare the expected health outcomes and resource requirements of starting and ending mammography screening at different ages and using annual versus biennial screening intervals. The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take into account patient context, including the patient's values regarding specific benefits and harms. (Grade C recommendation) The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women between the ages of 50 and 74 years. (Grade B recommendation) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older. (I statement) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of clinical breast examination beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or older. (I statement) The USPSTF recommends against clinicians teaching women how to perform breast self-examination. (Grade D recommendation) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess additional benefits and harms of either digital mammography or magnetic resonance imaging instead of film mammography as screening modalities for breast cancer. (I statement).

Behaviors toward methods of breast cancer early detection in women over 40 years in a rural region of Ankara, Turkey

In this study, we aimed to determine behaviors of women over 40 years toward methods of breast cancer early detection in a rural region of Ankara, Turkey. Of the 1277 women aged over 40 years, 910 (71.3%) participated in the study. Not performing breast self-examination was 3.1 times more frequent in those aged 60 years and older (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.2), 2.1 times more frequent in those who could only read and write (95% CI, 1.5-2.9), and 2.5 times more frequent in housewives (95% CI, 1.5-4.3). The likelihood of clinical breast exam was 1.8 times less in women aged 60 years old and older compared with younger women. Primary school graduates had a 1.9 times (95% CI, 1.3-2.9) greater chance of not having had a mammography compared with those that been at least primary school graduates. For women to change their behavior and adopt early methods of diagnosing breast cancer, it is necessary to reach priority target groups during the training provided by primary care institutions.

Teaching breast self-examination through pantomime: a unique approach to community outreach.

Cancer educators should pursue strategies to improve African American women's adherence to breast cancer screening. Successful educational approaches consider the cultural context and belief systems of African Americans. Storytelling provides a forum in which women teach one another through personal testimony. The Witness Project of St. Louis created an innovative approach to storytelling, pantomime, which is visually effective in conveying the story of how to perform breast self-examination (BSE). Pantomime offers a powerful message of the importance of regular BSE.

Health beliefs and breast self‐examination in a sample of Turkish nursing students and their mothers

To describe health beliefs and breast self-examination practice of Turkish female nursing students and their mothers. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Turkish women. Breast self-examination is one of the primary methods for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. The study was designed as a cross-sectional and comparative survey. The data were obtained from 392 participants, including female nursing students (n = 196) and their mothers (n = 196) in Ankara, Turkey. Data were collected by using a personal data form and the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Descriptive statistics, paired samples t-test, chi-square test, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation coefficients and logistic regression analysis were conducted. The percentage of nursing students who performed breast self-examination regularly was statistically higher than that of their mothers. The scores of health motivation, benefits and confidence were significantly higher in nursing students. The mothers' perceived susceptibility and barriers were significantly higher than their daughters. The frequency of breast self-examination practice was affected by the level of education, the mother's or daughter's monthly performance of breast self-examination and the level of perceived barrier to breast self-examination. There were differences in health beliefs related to breast self-examination and its practice between nursing students and their mothers. The results of this study showed that monthly performance of breast self-examination was more common among women who graduated from high school and university, whose mother or daughter performed breast self-examination regularly every month and those with lower levels of perceived barriers. It is essential that nurses be aware of the factors that contribute to monthly performance of breast self-examination. Cultural factors should be considered in planning educational programmes about breast self-examination practice. Interventions should be designed to enhance nursing students' proficiency in performing breast self-examination.

Awareness of breast cancer among women in an urban region of China.

Abstract Abstract #2104 Introduction: Even though breast cancer can be cured if detected early and treated appropriately, it remains the most common cause of cancer mortality for women living in some major cities in China. Moreover, the incidence of this disease has increased steadily in China over the last two decades. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the knowledge about breast cancer concerning risk factors, signs and symptoms, effective screening methods, treatment choices and prognosis among native Chinese women.&amp;#x2028; Method: Two hundred and seventy healthy women were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire in Taiyuan city of China. Participants' characteristics, including age, education, occupation, and awareness of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were collected and analyzed.&amp;#x2028; Results: Two hundred and thirty nine women had returned the questionnaire. The response rate was 88.5%. The median age of women in this study was 44 years old (range: 25 – 72). Among them, more than one third had received tertiary education, 6.7% had breast cancer family history, and one quarter ever had benign breast disease. Most of the participants (60.3%) did not know how to perform breast self-examination (BSE), whereas 61.5% never did BSE. Only 2.9% of those who had performed BSE did so regularly. As for effective screening methods, more than half of the participants chose clinical breast examination (CBE), and 21.8% regarded mammography as a reliable mean. Most of women considered breast cancer a curable disease and assumed that therapeutic approaches should include surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, and in some cases, traditional Chinese medicine. Only 8.8% of the participants identified two or more of the eight breast cancer risk factors. The factors mostly identified included breast cancer family history (33.5%), late birth (10%), and early age at menarche (9.6%). The breast cancer signs and symptoms mostly indicated were breast lump (54.4%), breast pain (26.4%), and nipple discharge (23.9%). Women who received high level education appeared to be more likely to perform BSE and possessed more knowledge regarding to breast cancer risk factors and treatment.&amp;#x2028; Conclusion: The study indicates that awareness of breast cancer among Chinese women needs to be improved, and that breast cancer early-detection measures needs to be enhanced in China. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 2104.

Awareness of breast cancer risk factors and practice of breast self examination among high school students in Turkey

BackgroundYoung breast cancer patients have a lower rate of survival than old breast cancer patients due to being diagnosed at advanced stages. Breast self-examination makes women more "breast aware", which in turn may lead to an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge and practice of breast self-examination and to determine knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer among high school students.MethodsThis is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. It was conducted in a high school in Manisa, Turkey. The study sample included 718 female high school students. A socio-demographic characteristics data form, knowledge of breast self examination and risk factors for breast cancer form and breast self examination practice form were used to collect data.ResultsThe female high school students had insufficient knowledge about breast self-examination and a low percentage of students reported that they had performed breast self examination monthly. The most common reason for not doing breast self- examination was "not knowing how to perform breast self-examination" (98.5%). Most of the students had little knowledge of the risk factors for breast cancer. The most widely known risk factor by the students was personal history of breast cancer (68.7%). There was a significant relation between breast self-examination practice and age, school grade, knowledge about breast cancer and knowledge about breast self- examination.ConclusionThere is a need to increase knowledge of adolescent females about the risks of breast cancer and benefits of early detection. In fact, health care professionals can develop effective breast health care programs and help young women to acquire good health habits.