Regular Breast Self-examination Research Articles

Investigation of the Relationship Between Breast Cancer Awareness and Health Literacy in Female Textile Workers

Introduction: The level of breast cancer awareness among women may vary depending on their level of health literacy. Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between breast cancer awareness and health literacy among female textile workers. Methods: This is a descriptive and correlational study. The study population consisted of women employed as workers in a textile company. The sample included 360 female workers as participants. The 'Information Form', the 'Breast Cancer Awareness Scale', and the 'Health Literacy Scale' are the data collection instruments used in the study. The study data were analyzed using SPSS 22.00 and G*Power 3.1 software packages. Percentage, frequency, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and regression analyses were used to evaluate the data. Results: The results showed that 73.6% of the participants did not perform regular breast self-examination, and 79.7% had never undergone mammography. Significant positive correlations were observed between women's breast cancer awareness and the functional, interactive, and critical sub-scales of health literacy (p

Knowledge and Practice Regarding Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among Nursing Students Working in A Tertiary Care Hospital Lahore, Pakistan: An Observational Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Background: Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, quick, and cost-free method crucial for the early detection of breast cancer, which significantly reduces morbidity and mortality. Health Sciences students, particularly those in nursing, are ideally positioned to serve as role models and educators on this practice. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE among nursing students at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, with a view to identifying gaps that could be addressed through targeted educational programs. Methods: This observational descriptive cross-sectional study engaged nursing students from various academic levels at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Adherence to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement was ensured. Data were collected via a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software version 26, focusing on frequencies and percentages of categorical variables. Results: Of the participants, 63.76% demonstrated a high level of knowledge about BSE, scoring ≥75%. In contrast, 36.23% scored below 75%, indicating a low level of knowledge. Practice of BSE was limited, with only 47% (n=65) of the participants engaging in the practice, and the majority, 53% (n=73), not practicing at all. Conclusion: Although nursing students show a good understanding of BSE, a significant gap exists between their knowledge and actual practice. This discrepancy highlights the need for enhanced educational interventions to encourage regular BSE practice, which is essential for the effectiveness of breast cancer screening and early detection efforts.

Poland’s Breast Self-Exams: Empowering Awareness

Introduction and purpose: Breast cancer poses a significant global health challenge, especially in Poland, where it is the most prevalent cancer among women. Despite advancements in medical technology, individual awareness and proactive health practices, such as Breast Self-Examination (BSE), are crucial for early detection. This study focuses on BSE practices in the Tarnów district of Poland, a small city facing unique healthcare challenges, to understand the prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes toward BSE. The aim of study was to comprehensively investigate BSE practices among women in the Tarnów district, considering socio-demographic factors.
 Material and Methods: Anonymous questionnaires assessed socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes toward BSE, frequency of BSE performance, knowledge on BSE, and sources of information. The survey involved 100 Polish women in gynecologist and general practitioner offices in Tarnów County. Results were analyzed in relation to age, education, and place of residence.
 Results: While 90% of women were familiar with BSE, 10% had never heard of it. While 29% performed BSE monthly, 18% never conducted the examination. Knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding optimal BSE practices. Information sources included the Internet (44%) and gynecologists (28%). Notably, 65% expressed a willingness to participate in BSE training.
 Conclusions: In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into BSE practices among women in the Tarnów district, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to encourage regular BSE. Knowledge gaps and the willingness of women to participate in training present opportunities for healthcare initiatives. The study also highlights the need for broader health education campaigns to dispel myths and enhance awareness, particularly regarding breast cancer affecting both genders. Limitations include a small sample size and geographic specificity to Tarnów district.

Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding Breast Self Examination among Adolescent Girls at Selected College, Chengal Pattu District

Background: Women and men share many similar health problems, but women also have their own health issues, which deserve special consideration in developed and developing countries, breast cancer is shown as a major health problem. Breast cancer is the leading malignant tumour and it consists 30% of cancers among women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. In India, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing, with an estimated 80,000 new cases were diagnosed annually it is reported that one in 22 women in India is likely to suffer from breast cancer during her lifetime. At present a simple, inexpensive and early implant for the detection of breast cancer is breast self- examination. It is one of the simplest and most important health programmes no promote early detection. Materials and Methodology: The researcher had used a quantitative research approach by employing quasi experimental pretest post test only group research design and Random sampling technique was adopted to selected 100 Adolescent girls with the age group of 17 to 23 years who met inclusion criteria at selected College, Chennai (2021).The investigator collected the demographic data such as age, marital status, type of family, residence, weight from the respondents by using the self-structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Self structured multiple-choice questionnaire was used as a Research Tool to assess the Knowledge and practice on Self breast examination, knowledge on Breast cancer and use of Mammography. The conceptual framework used for the study was based on “Becker’s health belief model.” Result: The frequency and percentage of pre-test and post-test level knowledge regarding breast self- examination shows majority of female students in pre-test 65 of them(65%) had inadequate knowledge remaining 35 of them (35%) had moderate knowledge and none of them adequate knowledge regarding breast self-examination but in post-test majority 88 of them (88%) had adequate knowledge remaining 12 of them(12%) had moderately adequate knowledge and none of them inadequate knowledge regarding breast self-examination. Over all comparison of mean values between pre-test 11.32 and post-test 26.3 of knowledge regarding breast self-examination and ‘t’ value 17.57 obtained was found to be significant at 0.05 level. So that the structured teaching programme has a significant effect in increasing the knowledge regarding breast self examination among adolescent girls. It shows the effectiveness in improving awareness regarding breast self-examination. Conclusion: Regular breast self-examination can identify any abnormal changes in breast to establish good prognosis it the young groups of women are targeted with accurate information and encouragement they will learn accurate information and encouragement they will learn to examine themselves and detect every Minute changes early in their later life.

Awareness regarding breast cancer amongst women in Pakistan: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common cause of cancer death in Pakistan. In 2019, Pakistan saw the highest global BCa-associated death rate. But do Pakistani women know about the various aspects of BCa? And how prevalent are BCa screening methods amongst Pakistani females? These questions formed the basis for our study. We conducted this review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. On September 1, 2023, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and performed a citation search to search for eligible studies published in 2010 or after, using the following terms: "breast cancer" and "Pakistan". Observational studies that evaluated BCa awareness and/or practice amongst Pakistani females who were not associated with medicine were eligible. We used the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool to assess the risk of bias. We conducted a proportion meta-analysis to calculate pooled prevalences for variables. Responses from 9766 Pakistani women across 18 included studies showed alarmingly low levels of BCa knowledge: risk factors, 42.7% (95% CI: 34.1%-51.4%); symptoms, 41.8% (95% CI: 26.2%-57.5%); diagnostic modalities, 36.3% (95% CI: 23.1%-49.4%); treatments, 46.6% (95% CI: 13.5%-79.8%). Prevalence of breast self-examination (BSE) and ever having undergone a clinical breast exam (CBE) was 28.7% (95% CI: 17.9%-39.6%) and 15.3% (95 CI: 11.2%-19.4%), respectively. BCa knowledge was significantly associated with better educational status, age, and socioeconomic status. On average, only two in five Pakistani women are aware of one or more risk factors, symptoms, or diagnostic modalities. Approximately one in two women know about possible BCa treatment. Less than one in three women practice regular BSE, and less than one in five women have ever undergone a CBE.

The Relationship Between Young Women's Knowledge About Breast Cancer and Self-Breast Examination (Sadari) at SMA Negeri 1 Panyabungan Selatan Class

The objective of this study is to explore the association between young women's knowledge of breast cancer and their engagement in breast self-examination (BSE) practices at SMA Negeri 1 Panyabungan Selatan, located in the Panyabungan Selatan District of Mandailing Natal Regency in 2022. Employing a cross-sectional design, the research involved 150 female students from class X. Data collection utilized a questionnaire covering topics related to breast cancer awareness and BSE habits. The findings indicated a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the knowledge level of adolescent girls regarding breast cancer and their regular practice of BSE. It was observed that those with a better understanding of breast cancer tended to perform BSE more frequently. These results underscore the pivotal role of health education in enhancing breast cancer awareness among adolescent girls and promoting the importance of regular BSE as a preventive measure. The implications of this study can inform the development of targeted intervention programs aimed at enhancing breast cancer awareness and health behaviors among adolescent girls in educational institutions and local communities.

Awareness about Breast self-examination among Nursing Students

Breast cancer is an invasive tumor which mainly affect females and it has high mortality rate in developing countries due to lack of awareness and late diagnosis. The early diagnosis of breast cancer is not as much dangerous. The tools to detect breast cancer include mammography, breast self- examination (BSE) and fine needle aspiration cytology. The studies conducted shows the lack of perception about knowledge, attitude and practice about BSE. Objective: To determine the perception of BSE among nursing students. Methods: It was observational descriptive study conducted at College of Nursing DHQ Hospital Narowal. 174 nursing students between age 19 to 30 were enrolled in the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used which includes information about demographic data, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding BSE. Data were analyzed by using IBM- SPSS V-23. Results: The level of knowledge among nursing students about BSE was high and most of them know the accurate way of conducting BSE. The attitude of nursing students about BSE was positive. Most of them were agreed about the regular BSE. The practice about BSE shows mixed responses. Conclusions: In conclusion we can say that knowledge about BSE among nurses is good. However students seem to be unaware of the frequency and time of practicing BSE. This indicates the importance of conducting workshops to enhance perception about BSE.

Breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women of reproductive age in southeast Ethiopia

Regular breast self-examination is the most cost-effective method for early detection of breast cancer, especially in resource-limited countries. However, breast self-examination practice was low among reproductive-age women. Objective This study aims to evaluate breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women of reproductive age in southeast Ethiopia. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods study design was conducted on 836 women of reproductive age. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative part of the study and supplemented by focus group discussions. A database was created using Epi-info version 3.5.3, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were done to examine the effect of explanatory variables. Variables with p -value <0.05 during multivariable logistic regressions were considered as significantly associated with the dependent variable. Thematic data analysis was carried out for the qualitative study. Result Out of 836 total participants, only 20.7% had ever heard about breast self-examination practice. Also, only 13.2% of the mothers had practiced breast self-examinations. Even though the majority of the participants during focused group discussions had knowledge about breast cancer screening, most of them stated that breast self-examination was not practiced among them. Maternal age, mother’s level of education, and previous history of breast examination by health professionals were significant predictors of breast self-examination practices. Conclusion This study reported a low prevalence of breast self-examination practice. Therefore, enhancing women’s education and encouraging breast examination by health professionals are essential to increase the proportion of women performing breast self-examination.

The Characteristics of female students in Allied Health Sciences Institution who performed routine breast self-examination (BSE) in Indonesia and Pakistan

Breast cancer is a major public health concern worldwide. The incidence of breast cancer remains high. The mortality rate and prognosis for breast cancer can be improved with early diagnosis and therapy. Self-examination of the breasts is a common method of early diagnosis for women's health issues. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of female students in Allied Health Sciences Institution who performed regular breast self-examination in Indonesia and Pakistan. After institutional ethics review board approval and informed consent, a quantitative survey recruited 430 female students from Allied Health Sciences institutions in Indonesia and Pakistan. This study strictly followed the highest level of ethical standards proposed by Helsinki Declaration (Revised 2013). A closed and open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data on their demographics and characteristics. The questionnaire was distributed online using a google form. Data were analyzed using descriptive analytics . The findings of this study showed that n=395(91.86%) were aged 18-35 years, and 51% were from rural. 49% from urban areas. The majority of participants were single or never married (88%). Most participants were undergraduate students (95.35%). Almost half participants did routine BSE once a month (48.6%). Only 16% were very confident about doing a breast self-examination. Nearly half respondents had never seen a doctor (47%). A positive attitude was seen among all the students. Additionally, most students performed a weekly breast examination. Evidently, more than half of the participants lacked self-assurance when it came to performing a breast assessment. We found a significant percentage who had never been to a doctor for medical attention. Public campaigns to raise awareness and urge female student in allied health science to regularly see their doctors and engage in BSE are so crucial

The Assessment and Comparison of the Knowledge of Breast Self-Examination and Breast Carcinoma Among Health Care Workers and the General Population in an Urban Setting.

Background Breast cancer is one of the common causes of cancer related mortality in women. Early detection and treatment can combat the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer. Most first-world countries have a screening program to facilitate early detection of breast malignancy. A lack of similar programs in developing countries, compounded with ignorance and financial crunch, often leaves women vulnerable due to late detection and complications. Identification of early physical changes in breasts through regular breast self-examination (BSE) can potentially aid in the early detection of breast lumps. Ideally, all women should have access to screening programs, although, practically, it is difficult to achieve mass screening in resource-poor areas. BSE cannot completely bridge this gap in health care; however, it can undoubtedly aid in increased awareness, identification of danger signs, and timely approach to the health care center for intervention. Materials and method A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune, India. The participants were administered a pretested questionnaire to collect information about their understanding of BSE. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software, Version 25. Mean and frequencies were used to compare participants from various backgrounds. Results The total sample consisted of 1,649 women from various educational backgrounds. Every doctor had heard about BSE compared to 81% of women from the general population; 84% of doctors and less than 40% of women representing the general population were taught to perform BSE; however, only around 34% of all women perform BSE. Women from the general population were largely unaware of the correct age to begin BSE, the frequency of performance, its correlation with the menstrual cycle, and the steps necessary to perform it. Women employed in the health care industry were better informed than the general population but still needed to be aware of BSE's details. Conclusion The study highlighted the lack of information regarding breast malignancy and self-examination among women from all educational and professional backgrounds. Women in the health care sector are better informed about the topic than the general population but still lack adequate information. There is a dire need to train women about the procedure, frequency, and correct time of conducting BSE and the telltale signs of breast carcinoma. Women in the health care industry can be educated and trained as educators on the topic, who can further disseminate the information to the general population to promote early detection of breast malignancy.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE): Association between “Belief in BSE” and “Awareness of BSE” among University Female Students in Uganda

Background: Regular breast self-examination (BSE) has been known to effectively detect breast cancer occurrence early. Are Women who consider BSE effective in detecting breast cancer more likely to be aware of BSE, or vice versa? The present study was an attempt to answer this question. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed for 259 female University students in Kampala, Uganda. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Univariate and bivariate analyses were carried out. Results: The majority (64.1%) were aware of the BSE technique. Women considering BSE to be effective for early cancer detection were significantly more likely to be aware of the BSE technique. Conclusions: University students who believed in the benefits of BSE were more likely to be aware of BSE than those who did not. More emphasis should be placed on health education for women of younger ages to increase the knowledge of the practice of BSE.

Hemşirelik Öğrencileri ve Annelerinin Sağlık İnançları ve Kendi Kendine Meme Muayene Davranışları: Karşılaştırmalı Kesitsel Bir Araştırma

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effect of undergraduate education on nursing students and their mothers' health beliefs and breast self-examination (BSE) behaviors. Material and Methods: In this comparative and cross-sectional survey, the population of the study consisted of a total of 438 participants; including 219 volunteer students studying at the third and senior-year nursing students, and 219 their mothers. The data was collected using a questionnaire and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. The data was collected by face-to-face interviews with the students in the classroom and by talking to the mothers on the phone. Results: It is the effective mothers' on performing BSE, students' BSE is 2.34-fold, and mothers' self-efficacy is 4.16-times, and mothers' perform regular BSE is 3.31-fold on students' perform BSE. The students' perception of barriers to performing the BSE was lower and their self‐efficacy and health motivation were higher, and their mothers' levels of perceived susceptibility and perceived barriers scores were significantly higher. Conclusion: It was determined that students did not inform their mothers about breast cancer and BSE at the expected level, and students and their mothers mostly did not practice BSE and BSE was affected by their health beliefs.

Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Female Community Health Volunteers in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Province No. 1, Nepal

Background: Regular breast self-examination is the most cost-effective method for the early detection of breast cancer. Female community health volunteers (FCHVs) could play an important role in teaching the community about breast self-examination (BSE). We aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among FCHVs. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the census sampling method to select FCHVs from all 20 wards of Dharan sub-metropolitan city. Face-to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information related to the knowledge of BSE from consenting participants. The practice of BSE was assessed through direct observation of BSE by using a checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 10.0. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 95 FCHVs (out of 107) were enrolled in the survey. The mean age (SD) of the study participants was 42.45 (8.97) years; 85.3% were married and majority (64.2%) had completed secondary level of education. The majority of the FCHVs, 65 (68.4%), earned monetary income less than NPR.7000.00 per month. The majority, 82 (86.3%), of the FCHVs had adequate knowledge but only 21 (22.2%) respondents had ever practiced BSE. No significant association was found between the knowledge and practice of BSE with the selected demographic variables such as age, marital status, educational level, age at menarche, and menopause. Conclusion: The FCHVs had adequate knowledge but poor practice regarding BSE. Training should be emphasized to improve their practice of BSE.

Factors associated with breast cancer mammography screening and breast self-examination in Irish women: results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

Background BreastCheck is Ireland’s breast screening service which offers biennial mammograms to women aged 50–69. Practicing regular breast self-examination (BSE) enhances women’s awareness and increases their perception of their susceptibility to the risk of breast cancer, possibly increasing their likelihood of attending a screening programme which reduces breast cancer mortality. Research is needed to identify the promotors and barriers to both attending breast cancer screening and practicing BSE. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the promotors and barriers associated with attending breast cancer screening and practicing BSE in Irish women. Materials and Methods Data from the participants of TILDA wave 3 (2014–2015) was used, the participant population included females only (≥50 years old), a total of 3575 women. Bivariate analysis was used to identify variables that were significantly associated with having had a mammogram since the last interview (wave 2) or regularly checking their breasts for lumps (BSE). Regression analysis was then used to determine the effect the significant variables had on predicting the likelihood of participants attending breast screening or practicing BSE. Results Over half (55%) of all women over the age of 50 had a mammogram since wave 2 was completed (2012) and two thirds reported practicing regular BSE. The factors associated with having attended for breast cancer screening were: having private health insurance (OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.45–2.380), and practicing BSE (OR = 1.683, 95%CI = 1.344–2.107). The factors found to be associated with practicing regular BSE were: higher quality of life (OR = 1.035, 95%CI = 1.015–1.057), higher BMI (OR = 1.118, 95%CI = 1.020–1.226), being married (OR = 1.436, 95%CI = 1.190–1.732) and attending mammogram screening (OR = 1.691, 95%CI = 1.353–2.114). Conclusion Regular participation in mammography screening reduces breast cancer mortality. Women eligible for BreastCheck were significantly more likely to attend screening. BSE is associated with increased attendance at screening. Health-care professionals should encourage BSE in order to increase screening uptake.

Evaluation of Arab Cultural Barriers That Influence Muslim Arab Iraqi Women's Breast Cancer Screening Behavior.

Little is known about Iraqi women's practice towards breast cancer screening (BCS), breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography, and the influence of Arab culture. The aim of this study was to assess women's behavior towards BCS, and to explain the influence of specific Arab culture barriers. This descriptive study was carried out with 1,066 women. Three structured questionnaires were used in the data collection. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used for data evaluation. Many Iraqi women did not practice regular BSE, CBE, and mammography. The most common reason was "not having a breast complaint". Specific Arab cultural barriers such as exposure [odds ratio (OR) = 0.545; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.440 to 0.674; p<0.001], environment (OR = 0.571; 95% CI = 0.464 to 0.703; p<0.001) and uneasiness barriers (OR = 0.736; 95% CI = 0.557 to 0.974; p=0.032) were predictors for BSE while exposure (OR = 0.553; 95% CI = 0.447 to 0.684; p<0.001), and environment barriers (OR = 0.585; 95% CI = 0.474 to 0.772; p<0.001) was predictor for CBE. Additionally, exposure (OR = 0.324; 95% CI = 0.251 to 0.419; p<0.001), environment (OR = 0.636; 95% CI = 0.500 to 0.809; p<0.001), and uneasiness barriers (OR = 0.644; 95% CI = 0.464 to 0.893; p = 0.008) were predictors for mammography screening of Iraqi women. Arab specific cultural barriers may be one of the key obstacles to BSC uptake in Iraq. Health education, including cultural education, may have the potential to increase BCS awareness and down-staging of the disease at presentation.

Assessing Risk and Knowledge of Women on Breast Cancer and Providing Lifestyle Advice for the Management of Breast Cancer Risk

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and is the main cause of cancer mortality among women in the world. Overall, 1 in 28 women is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Although the mortality rate is decreasing, the incidence is persistently increasing due to urbanization and lifestyle changes. So, there is a need to assess the personal breast cancer risk and increase the knowledge of women on early detection. The present study aims to assess the risk and knowledge of women on breast cancer. The main objective of the study is to identify the women at high risk, to create awareness among women about early screening and detection and to educate lifestyle management to decrease breast cancer risk. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed during the period of June 2019 to November 2019 in the women attended for mammographic examination. A total of 270 women responded to the study. The results showed that five-year risk is found to be high for 31.1% of women and low for 68.8% of women with a mean of 1.4 and the standard deviation is 1.24. About 14.81% of women were found to have strong lifetime risk and 30.37% of women had average lifetime risk and 54.81% women had usual lifetime risk. The mean lifetime risk of the women is 16.09 and the standard deviation is 10.2. The majority of the participants have low knowledge on breast cancer; BSE, and mammography i.e., 80% of them were lack of knowledge. The mean knowledge score is 6.34 and the standard deviation is 5.45. The women who had high five-year and strong lifetime risk are eligible for breast cancer prevention and management approaches. The women with moderate lifetime risk were advised with regular screening and Breast Self-Examination practices.

Knowledge Levels and Adolescent Attitudes towards the Implementation of BSE (Breast Self-Examination) in Level I Students

Background: Breast cancer is a health problem and a cause of death in women. Many women unknowingly have breast cancer and are detected when it is at an advanced stage. The initial effort to detect breast cancer early is with regular BSE examinations carried out independently by women. However, many teenagers do not know about this BSE examination and rarely do it. This study aims to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and adolescents' attitudes toward implementing BSE in Level I students of the Lahat Nursing Study Program, Poltekkes, Ministry of Health, Palembang in 2021. The study was carried May 21 to June 10, 2021. Methods: This study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study was the first-level student of the Lahat nursing study program, with a total sample of 66 female students using the total sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out univariate and bivariate using the Chi-Square test. Results: The results show that there is a relationship between the levels of knowledge on the implementation of BSE (Breast Self-Examination) with a value (p-value = 0.001), and there is a relationship between attitudes towards the implementation of BSE (Breast Self-Examination) with a value (p-value = 0.001). Conclusion: It is hoped that the Lahat nursing study program will be able to educate about BSE by placing posters about the early detection of breast cancer with BSE and including material about breast cancer and early detection with BSE in the learning materials especially in maternity.

Breast self-examination as a route to early detection in a lower-middle-income country: assessing psychosocial determinants among women in Surabaya, Indonesia

BackgroundBreast cancer has become a public health concern in Indonesia. Regular breast self-examination (BSE) is considered an important first step for its early detection, especially in countries with limited healthcare access, as it is the case in Indonesia. This study aimed to confirm and assess the psychosocial determinants of intention to perform BSE and BSE performance.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 women aged 18–65 years in Surabaya, Indonesia. A 64-item survey was conducted, included variables from the Reasoned Action Approach, and the Health Belief Model, presented questions about demographics, breast cancer knowledge, and behavior related to BSE.ResultsMost women (72.5%) expressed intention to perform BSE; however, only 7.8% and 2.9% performed BSE per week and per month, respectively, in the past year. Breast cancer knowledge and attitudes towards BSE were uniquely associated with BSE performance. Perceived behavioral control (PBC) and BSE attitudes were unique correlates of intention. Perceived benefits and barriers and subjective norms were significantly associated with intention and BSE behavior in bivariate analyses.ConclusionsBreast screening education should incorporate strategies for improving attitudes towards BSE, PBC, and breast cancer knowledge with perceived benefits and barriers and subjective norms as relevant targets.

Evaluation of Breast Self-examination Training in Turkish Women Living in Northwestern Turkey.

SummaryIntroductionBreast cancer (BC) is one of the most significant health problems among the women. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an examination method which is used by women to detect breast cancer as much early as possible. Training of women about BSE is crucial.MethodsThe current study was semi-experimentally single-group pretest-posttest designed in order to evaluate breast self-examination (BSE) training efficacy on Turkish women’s knowledge and skills. The study was performed on 119 Turkish women. The data were collected with a three questionnaires and BSE Training Skills Evaluation Form in three phases.Results81.5% of the women did not perform BSE regularly. Rate of correct responses about knowledge on BC, risk factors and screening increased after posttest. Significant improvements were observed in the post-test (after training, after one month and three months training) scores for knowledge of Turkish women’ towards BC, risk factors and screening, steps of BSE after the intervention (p < 0.001). To quantify the efficiency of training, effect size (Cohen’s d) was derived. For knowledge and ability to do BSE scores, Cohen’s d was 1,01 ≤ with large effect size indicating highly effective impact of the training.ConclusionsIt seems that BSE training is beneficial in women. However, women should receive regular BSE training to renew their knowledge and skills. Long follow-up is required.

Breast self–examination practice and the associated factors among Bule Hora University students, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. An institution based cross sectional study

Regular breast self-examination in women is one of the practicable ways to screen, to detect earlier and to seek prompt medical attention of breast cancer in lowincome countries. The study aimed to assess breast self-examination practice and associated factors among female students of Bule Hora University from February- June 2019. A cross-sectional study was conducted using pretested, self-administered and structured data collection tools from regular and undergraduate class female students. Data were entered using Epi info. Version 7.2; and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Only 30 (14.78%) of the students were found to practice breast self-examination regularly. Being urban resident [(AOR= 2.757: 95% CI (1.471, 5.167)], perceived susceptibility to breast cancer [AOR =2.910, 95% CI (1.537, 5.508)] and having family history of the practice [AOR= 2.047: 95% CI (1.040, 4.028)] had shown a significant association with the practice of breast self -examination. Discussion about breast cancer and practicing breast self-examination among the students is very low. The students who came from rural communities did not yet perceive the susceptibility and; therefore, health education pertaining to the subject is recommended.