Breast Cancer Symptoms Research Articles

Awareness of breast cancer and perceived barriers to breast screening methods: a community based cross-sectional study among women in Yemen

BackgroundIn Yemen, effective early detection and a comprehensive grasp of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors are vital in preventing its potentially deadly spread. However, challenges arise in combating breast cancer in Yemen due to the lack of patient registries, national strategies, and structured cancer treatment plans.ObjectiveThis research sought to evaluate the awareness levels of breast cancer and the perceived obstacles to breast cancer screening among adult Yemeni women.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from September 2023 to January 2024 from two teaching and largest hospitals in the capital municipality, Sana’a, Yemen, where 533 women (≥ 18 years old) were conveniently selected in this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 23).. The Chi-square test was used to test associations. The factors associated with breast cancer awareness and barriers to breast cancer screening were analyzed separately, using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe study revealed that 88.6% of women were familiar with breast cancer, and 61.9% being knowledgeable about screening methods such as clinical breast examination (CBE) or mammography. The primary hindrance to screening (84.1%, n = 53) was the absence of symptoms or pain. The second most common reason for not undergoing screening was a lack of understanding about breast cancer and its treatment (61.9%, n = 39).ConclusionTo enhance breast cancer screening rates among Yemeni women consistently, targeted educational programs emphasizing the benefits of early detection and dispelling misconceptions and barriers related to the disease are essential.

Double Vision as the Presenting Symptom of Metastatic Breast Cancer in an 83-Year-Old Lady

Breast cancer is the most common type of malignant tumor that occurs in women. Despite this, physicians report that they screen elderly patients for breast cancer less than young patients, regardless of cancer history. This case report describes an elderly patient who presented with diplopia, eyelid swelling, and restricted eye movement, leading to the discovery of a diffuse orbital tumor and Stage IV left breast carcinoma with metastases to bone, liver, and peritoneum. The patient had been told to stop mammograms years prior to her diagnosis despite her past history of uterine cancer. The case underscores the possibility of orbital metastasis from breast cancer and highlights the necessity of diligent cancer screening in elderly women.

Mammography screening among women attending primary healthcare centers in Monastir, Tunisia

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women worldwide. Early detection through mammography screening improves prognosis and enhances survival rate for this disease. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with mammography screening utilization among women attending primary healthcare centers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in four primary healthcare centers in Monastir governorate in October 2023 using a pre-tested questionnaire. Women aged over 45 years-old were included as they were the target group in the breast cancer screening strategy. Univariate then multivariate analyses were performed in order to identify the factors associated with mammography screening utilization. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21.0. Results A total of 192 women were included in the study with a mean age of 56.7±8.8 years-old. Among them, 79.7 % (n = 153) were married and 51.6% (n = 98) had three children and less. A total of 55.3 % (n = 94) had a primary education level. Regarding participants’ practices of breast cancer screening, 35% of our participants have had mammogram. Univariate analysis showed that the knowledge about breast cancer symptoms (p = 0.015), practicing Breast self-examination (BSE) (p = 0.002), being aware about mammography (p = 0.001) and the recommended age of the screening at 45 years-old (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with adherence to breast cancer screening. Multivariate analysis revealed that practicing BSE (ORa=2.60 [95%CI: 1.22-5.55] and knowing the recommended age of mammography screening (ORa=2.28 [95%CI: 1.17-4.45] were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of mammography screening utilization. Conclusions Mammography screening rate is low. This study had provided some informations about factors influencing mammography screening. Policymakers and public health practitioners should consider the identified factors when developing intervention programs to improve breast cancer screening. Key messages • There is a need to conduct education sessions in schools to raise awareness about breast cancer screening at an early age. • Social media can be a tool for health education on mammography screening.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT IN THE SADARI PROGRAM (BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION)

Background: Cancer is currently one of the leading causes of death worldwide. One of the most common cancers and with the highest incidence is breast cancer. There are still many PKK Mojosongo Jebres Surakarta mothers who are not aware of the importance of early breast examination. This Breast Self-Examination (BSE) has been proven to be culturally acceptable, religiously friendly, and inexpensive. BSE is one way of action to find early symptoms of breast cancer that can be detected by mothers themselves, does not require experts to find breast cancer early, and is part of prevention efforts. Objective: This community service is to improve BSE knowledge and skills through community empowerment which will have an impact on increasing awareness and efforts to prevent breast cancer in Mojosongo. Methods: This activity begins with a regional visit to find out the existing problems, and a meeting with the PKK Chairperson to coordinate the implementation, the sampling technique uses a total sampling of all PKK mothers totaling 50 people who are given education and practice on how to do self-examination at home. Results: Community service can improve the ability of PKK mothers to do BSE independently. Conclusion: SADARI Education and Training improves the ability of knowledge and skills independently and has a positive impact on maternal health. The Recommendations, need to encourage and follow up on education and training on SADARI examinations by adding periodic follow-up sessions, this is done so that knowledge and practice of SADARI continue to be implemented.

Knowledge and Misinformation About Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Prevention Among Healthy and Affected Women: A Study on 2375 Italian Participants.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and remains the leading cause of death among Italian women. Despite increased breast cancer awareness and improved diagnostic techniques, mortality rates remain high globally. In Italy, despite the availability of screening programs by the National Health System (NHS) for all Italian women aged 50-69 every two years, the participation rate remains relatively low. The low uptake of screening may be attributed to a lack of general cancer knowledge among women, including awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and prevention measures. This study investigates the knowledge and misinformation in a population of Italian women regarding breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. From March 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a survey targeting the female population in Italy, with a total of 2375 participants willingly participating in the study. To investigate factors linked to variations in attitudes toward breast cancer, the participants were categorized into two groups: the general population (Group A, n = 2235) and women who have had or currently have breast cancer (Group B, n = 140). Statistically significant differences were identified between these two groups. The findings revealed considerable confusion regarding both the symptoms and causes associated with cancer, as well as prevention measures. This confusion was particularly prominent among women in the general population and those with lower levels of education. Given these insights, it remains crucial to promote accurate health information concerning risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies related to this devastating disease, emphasizing the ongoing importance of disseminating correct health information.

Classifying Digital Medical Images for Breast Cancer Prediction Using Machine Learning

Statistics show that among the 1.67 million cancer reported cases worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and constitutes the largest burden of the disease in developing countries. However, if detected early enough, it can be managed. Mammography is one of the best ways to identify and diagnose breast abnormalities among various medical imaging modalities. It typically detects signs and symptoms of breast cancer, including microcalcifications, lumps, nodules, architectural abnormalities, asymmetry, bilateral asymmetry, etc. These features can be benign or cancerous when they appear in the breast. Researchers have focused on creating fully automated computer-aided design methods to help radiologists combat this type of cancer. Artificial Intelligence( AI) -based algorithms have been essential in creating systems that allow for automated diagnosis, rapid response, and low mortality. In this work, several machine learning methods were compared—such as logistic regression, naive Bayesian Gaussian algorithms, support vector machines (SVM), linear support vector machines (SVM), and artificial neural networks (ANN). Processing time and accuracy were the main evaluation metrics where naive Bayes outperformed SVM, followed by linear SVM and logistic regression, with ANNs failing in accuracy. These results highlight how naive Bayes algorithms can help in early detection of breast cancer, leading to faster and more efficient treatments and ultimately better patient care.

Enhancing awareness of breast self-examination and pap smears for early detection of breast and cervical cancer

Reproductive health problems, especially breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common cancers diagnosed in women in Indonesia. Currently, several testing methods to detect breast and cervical cancer early, such as breast self-examination (BSE) and pap smears, have been used to reduce cancer risk factors. However, these two methods are still not widely used. Outreach activities have been proven to increase knowledge about the importance of BSE and pap smears in women. This community service program aims to increase knowledge about the causes and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer, as well as early detection using BSE and pap smears. This service activity plan consisted of preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages. The method used consists of delivering interactive material, discussion, and practice. This activity was attended by 38 participants, consisting of women from PKK cadres in the Andir area, Ciroyom District, the majority of whom were over 35 years old. Based on the results of the post-test, this community service activity was successful in increasing participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards breast and cervical cancer as well as the early detection methods of BSE and pap smears.

Breast Cancer and Risk of Depression: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study Among Women With and Without Breast Cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The extent of symptoms of depression among patients with breast cancer compared with those without the disease is not well documented in Ethiopia and other sub-Saharan African countries. This study examines the prevalence of symptoms of depression in women with breast cancer (n = 436) compared with those without breast cancer (n = 856) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, through a comparative cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The association between breast cancer diagnosis and symptoms of depression was evaluated using a multivariable binary logistic regression model. About 39.2% of women with breast cancer had some level of symptoms of depression compared with 23.8% of women without the disease. By severity of symptoms of depression, 13.1% of women with breast cancer reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression compared with 6.8% of women without the disease. Sixty-three percent of women with breast cancer reported difficulties performing routine daily activities, compared with 36.7% of women without the disease. In the multivariable-adjusted model, women with breast cancer were 2 times (adjusted odds ratio, 2.26 [95% CI, 1.49 to 3.44]) more likely to report symptoms of depression compared with those without the disease. Likewise, women with breast cancer were 4.78 (95% CI, 3.51 to 6.52) times more likely to report difficulty in performing routine daily activities compared with women without the disease. Four in 10 women with breast cancer in Addis Ababa reported having symptoms of depression, which was considerably higher than women in the general population. This finding emphasizes the importance of addressing psychosocial needs among women with breast cancer to enhance quality of life and potentially extend longevity.

Community breast pain clinics can provide safe, quality care for women presenting with breast pain.

Breast pain is not typically a symptom of breast cancer, yet nationally 20% of 2-week wait (2WW) breast referrals are breast pain alone. The East Midlands Breast Pain Pathway improves patient experience and frees capacity in secondary care diagnostic breast clinics, managing women with breast pain only in a community setting. We report the results of implementation of community breast pain clinics (CBPCs) at sites in Derbyshire (catchment population ~1 million), with 12 months follow-up data. 1036 patients were seen at CBPCs between June 2021 and February 2023. The median patient age was 49 (range 16-88) years. 993 patients (95.8%) were discharged from the clinic with breast pain management advice. 43 (4.2%) patients were referred for further assessment at a 2WW breast diagnostic clinic. Objective family history risk assessment identified 124 patients (12.3%) above population risk of breast cancer, who were offered referral to familial cancer services for ongoing management. Seven patients were diagnosed with breast cancer at or within 12 months of CBPC attendance. Five patients were diagnosed through attending the CBPC, one patient was subsequently referred to 2WW clinic with a new symptom and had a mammographically occult tumour and one was diagnosed following a subsequent routine breast screening invitation. Two of the five patients had a personal history of breast cancer which was a stated exclusion criterion for the CBPC. Breast cancer incidence in women with breast pain only and fulfilling CBPC referral criteria was 4.8/1000, confirming that this population is at low risk of developing breast cancer.Patient service satisfaction was high with 99% (n=1022) 'extremely likely or likely' to recommend the service. The results confirm the pathway is the first to demonstrate women can be safely managed with breast pain alone in a community setting with high levels of patient satisfaction.

Navigating specific targets of breast cancer symptoms: An innovative computer-simulated intervention analysis

PurposeTo pinpoint optimal interventions by dissecting the complex symptom interactions, encompassing both their static and temporal dimensions. MethodsThe study incorporated a cross-sectional survey utilizing the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. Participants with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy were recruited from the “Be Resilient to Breast Cancer” from April 2023 to June 2024. Static symptom interrelationships were elucidated using undirected and Bayesian network models, complemented by an exploration of their dynamic counterparts through computer-simulated interventions. ResultsThe study included 602 patients with breast cancer. Both undirected networks and computer-simulated interventions concurred on the symptoms of distress and fatigue as optimal alleviation targets. The Bayesian network and computer-simulated interventions both emphasized “shortness of breath” as preventive care. Notably, Distress appeared to be the most effective target for interventions, and compared to fatigue (decreasing score = 1.84–2.20, decreasing prevalence = 14.2–16.7%). Conversely, disturbed sleep, despite its high position in Bayesian network, had no propelling effects on increasing the network's overall symptom activity levels (increasing score<1). ConclusionsComputer-simulated intervention integrating with traditional network analysis can improve intervention precision and efficacy by prioritizing individual symptom impacts, both statically and dynamically.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment: updates to treatment, the need for more evidence, and impact on quality of life-a narrative review.

Due to advances in early detection and treatment options, non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cancer survivors are living longer, even those with metastatic disease. Many of these survivors will experience enduring symptoms of breast cancer, such as cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Although CRCI is bothersome and, in some cases, potentially debilitating, little research has been done to address this symptom. Thus, the overarching goal of this narrative review is to provide both an overview of the problem of CRCI and its impact and focus on the latest research aimed at addressing CRCI in non-CNS cancer survivors. A MEDLINE database (PubMed) search was conducted for terms related to non-CNS cancer, cognition, impacts of CRCI, and interventions. The English-language articles published until April 8th, 2024, were included in the search. CRCI includes self-reported cognitive complaints and/or impaired performance in multiple cognitive domains, including memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function. CRCI, in turn, can have a significant impact on everyday functioning, work ability, work engagement and productivity, and overall quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors. While some researchers have examined pharmacological approaches, the vast majority of the interventional studies to date to address CRCI has focused on non-pharmacological approaches. Three of the most common non-pharmacological approaches are physical activity or exercise, mind-body approaches [e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)], and cognitive rehabilitative approaches [e.g., cognitive training (CT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)]. Addressing the cognitive health of cancer survivors is imperative but has only recently been the focus of interventional research. More research in larger and more diverse samples of non-CNS cancer survivors is needed to identify effective ways to manage CRCI for all cancer survivors. Overall, maintaining cognitive health, especially in cancer survivors who are at increased risk for deficits, is a national health care priority that should not be ignored.

Community Pharmacists' Readiness for Breast Cancer Mammogram Promotion: A National Survey from Jordan.

Mammography is the gold standard screening technique for early detection of breast cancer. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of community pharmacists of different aspects emphasized by the JBCP programs. This study also identifies the attitudes and barriers towards promoting early detection services. This study was a cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Jordan. Pharmacists were randomly selected and asked to complete an electronic questionnaire. Inclusion criteria: a pharmacist with a bachelor's degree or higher and registered at the JPA working in a community pharmacy. The questionnaire included demographic and socioeconomic information, knowledge, attitudes towards breast cancer screening mammography services, and barriers towards participation in the promotion of these services. A total of 1,088 community pharmacists were approached, 1,000 (91.8%) completed the questionnaire. Participants had an average age of 34 years ± 10.8 and average experience of 9.1 ± 9.5 years. Only 48 (37.8%) of the female pharmacists aged 40 years or older underwent a mammogram. Knowledge of symptoms of breast cancer was the highest with a score of 755, followed by knowledge of risk factors (670) and finally early detection of breast cancer (540). Many barriers were reported by the community pharmacists including lack of educational materials and time constraints. Pharmacists with higher educational levels (p<0.001), of female gender (p<0.001), attended continuous cancer-related education (p<0.001), encountered a higher percentage of female customers (p<0.001), in a certain geographic location (p=0.003), underwent mammography (p=0.014), and encountered high frequency of inquiries on mammogram by the customers (p<0.001) were all associated with higher knowledge scores. Despite the reported barriers and insufficient knowledge in certain aspects of early detection of breast cancer, community pharmacists have positive attitudes and can be a valuable asset for awareness-raising efforts.

Socialization and Early Detection of Breast Cancer Using the Android Application “MamoApp”

Cancer is a public health problem in Indonesia with a prevalence of 136.2/100,000 population. One of the most common cancers, especially in women, is breast cancer. The highest incidence of breast cancer in women is 42.1 per 100,000 population with an average death rate of 17 per 100,000 population. One of the countermeasures for breast cancer is case finding with early detection carried out through clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast self-examination (SADARI). One of the features developed by Postgraduate students of the Institute of Health Sciences STRADA Indonesia is a breast cancer early detection application called “MamoApp”. In this community service activity, 2 aspects of activities will be carried out in the Dharma Wanita group of DLHKP office in Kediri city. The first activity is to conduct a socialization in the form of providing health counseling to the Dharma Wanita group about SADARI techniques, the second activity will be carried out early detection of breast cancer using the MamoApp android application. Mamoapp application contains an educational video on awareness examination, then respondents fill out a questionnaire to detect the presence or absence of symptoms of breast cancer, the time used for filling in is approximately 10 minutes. From the results of filling out the questionnaire through the MamoApp application, we will immediately know the conclusion of the examination results, namely: “Indicated Cancer” or ‘Not Indicated Cancer’, so that participants can immediately find out whether the person concerned is indicated by breast cancer or not. From the results of the questionnaire of 38 participants, there were 2 participants who indicated breast cancer and 36 participants did not indicate breast cancer. Participants who indicated breast cancer by the facilitator were advised to do a further examination to the doctor for a more detailed examination.

Patient factors that lead to presentation delay in breast cancer among Sri Lankan women: A cross-sectional study

Background: Breast cancer (BC) poses a significant public health concern as it is the most common cancer detected among women worldwide. Early detection and intervention are associated with better prognosis and survival. A primary reason for the rising mortality and morbidity in developing countries is the lack of patient education and practice early detection programs and presentation. Aims and Objectives: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of delayed presentation and the factors lead to delay among BC patients in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 01, 2023, to June 30, 2023 among women diagnosed with BC attending two selected state hospitals in Sri Lanka. All women with histological diagnosis of early, locally advanced, or metastatic BC attending for treatment were included and women with recurrent BC and concomitant other cancers were excluded. Presentation delay was defined as ≥3 months. The calculated sample size was 396. Results: About 47.5% of our study population (n=188) had a presentation delay of more than 3 months. The main reasons for the delay in presentation were, being unaware that BC is a major problem in Sri Lanka, difficulty in accessing healthcare, and not being able to find time due to family and social commitments. Women who had not been practicing self-breast examination had a significant association with presentation delay (OR=3.26, 95% CI - 0.090–0.362, P=0.001). The participants who were having a presentation delay were also more likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer (OR=2.86, 95% CI - 2.573–3.153, P=0.000). Conclusion: Our study population depicts a good knowledge related to BC symptoms, risk factors, and early detection methods. However, very few are practicing them. There is also a significant delay of presentation due to various factors. Awareness and good practices would lead to early detection and diagnosis and improve overall survival.

Awareness about Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Undergraduate Female Students at the University of Agadir, Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

Breast cancer is a pressing public health issue globally and in Morocco, with rising cases among women. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness and self-examination practices among female university students, informing future educational interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed 437 students at Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, using a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and breast self-examination (BSE). Results showed high awareness of breast cancer (95.3%), with social networks and media being primary information sources. However, only 48.25% had intermediate knowledge levels, and BSE awareness was moderate (60.8%) with low practical skills (28.0%). Reasons for not performing BSE included lack of knowledge and discomfort. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, year of study, study options, and information sources. Despite high awareness, there is a crucial need to enhance knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE practices among young women in Morocco. Educational programs targeting university students are essential for promoting early detection and improving attitudes toward breast health.

Contemporaneous Symptom Networks of Breast Cancer-Related Upper Limb Lymphedema: A Network Analysis.

Upper limb lymphedema (ULL) is a common and deliberating complication for breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Breast cancer survivors with ULL reported a wide range of symptoms. However, little is known about symptom patterns and interrelationships among them. This study was designed to explore symptom clusters and construct symptom networks of ULL-related symptoms among BCSs and to identify the core symptoms. This study is a secondary data analysis using datasets from three cross-sectional studies of BCSs in China. A total of 341 participants with maximum interlimb circumference ≥2 cm and complete responses in Part I of the Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index were included. Symptom clusters were identified through principal component analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis was employed to explore factors associated with severity of overall ULL-related symptoms. A contemporaneous network with 20 frequently reported symptoms were constructed after controlling for covariates. Three symptom clusters, including lymph stasis symptom cluster, nerve symptom cluster, and movement limitation symptom cluster, were identified. Postsurgery time, axillary lymph node dissection, and radiotherapy were associated with the severity of ULL-related symptoms. Tightness (rs = 1.379; rscov = 1.097), tingling (rs = 1.264; rscov = 0.925), and firmness (rs = 1.170; rscov = 0.923) were the most central symptoms in both networks with and without covariates. Breast cancer survivors with ULL experienced severe symptom burden. Tightness, tingling, and firmness were core symptoms of ULL among BCSs. Our findings demonstrated that the assessment and targeted intervention of specific core symptoms might help to relive effectively the burden of ULL-related symptom among BCSs.

E-model for Early Detection of Breast Cancer and Patient Monitoring

Breast cancer is becoming one of the most common diseases among women and is a growing global concern. A significant number of women have died worldwide from breast cancer. Studies suggest that early detection gives one better chance at treatment and management. However, the major challenges in early detection of breast cancer are awareness issues and patients’ insensitivity about the disease. This implies that regular breast examination leads to early detection of signs and symptoms of breast cancer. This exercise has been challenged with awareness, improper ways of conducting it and reporting of signs and symptom to appropriate quarters. This work is aimed at designing and development of a computer assisted system that runs on both desktop and mobile device(s) to assist women in conducting self- breast examination. To achieve this, object oriented analysis and design methodology (OOADM) was adopted for investigation and implementation. This work was designed and implemented in Microsoft Visual Studio while MySQL was used as the database management (DBMS). The rule- based approach was used for classification of breast abnormality. The result is an eHealth information system for early detection of breast cancer and patient monitoring. This will assist women to properly conduct self-breast examination, upload signs and symptoms discovered and enable medical professionals monitor patients.

The Effect of Health Education on Breast Self-Examination (SADARI) on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Actions of Adolescent Girls

Breast cancer not only occurs in developed countries but also in developing countries such as Indonesia. Breast cancer ranks 8th out of all cancers in Indonesia. Breast cancer is also a major concern, because it is the most common type of cancer affecting women. This study aims to determine the effect of breast self-examination health education on knowledge, attitudes, and actions of adolescent girls at SMK Kader Bangsa Palembang. This research method uses a quasi-experimental design with pretest posttest. The population was adolescents with menstrual cycles to 7-10 days with a total sample of 26 respondents who met the inclusion criteria. The test used was the Wilcoxon Sign Runk Test with p&lt;0.05 using a computer. The results showed that health education on breast self-examination (SADARI) had an effect on knowledge p value (0.000&lt;0.05), attitude p value (0.003)&lt;(0.05), action p value (0.004)&lt;(0.05). Conclusion There is an effect of health education on breast self-examination (SADARI) on knowledge, attitudes, and actions of adolescent girls at SMK Kader Bangsa Palembang. Suggestions are expected to schoolgirls can be made as a stewardship of SADARI techniques to detect early signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Digital media intervention for breast cancer awareness among rural women: A quasi-experimental study from Bihar, India

ObjectivesSocial media-based interventions have the potential to endure improvements in the health-seeking behaviors of the users. The upswing rate of social media usage among rural women of Bihar (India) allows for improving their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward breast cancer which is a big concern in resource-limited countries. This study attempted to evaluate the impact of video-based intervention in advancing knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and attitude, and and practice to conduct breast cancer screening. MethodsA quasi-experimental design study was conducted among rural women in Bihar, India using pretest-posttest method. Validated YouTube Hindi videos were shared in a series as an intervention for the participants. The impact of the intervention videos was assessed by analyzing the 267 fully filled up questionnaires. Additionally, demographic characteristics were calculated and their relationship with knowledge, attitude, and practices was evaluated. ResultsAfter three months of the intervention there was a statistically significant (<0.0001) improvement (100 %) in the knowledge level of risk factors, symptoms, and screening of breast cancer. Their attitude towards breast self-examination significantly improved in 58 % of women whereas 16.5 % for clinical breast examination and 9.7 % for mammogram (<0.0001). The practice of breast self-examination significantly improved in 60 % (<0.0001) of women. Some demographic variables like education, age, and occupation were found significant predictors of breast cancer awareness. ConclusionsThis study's findings highlight that beyond all resource limitations for health awareness, a video intervention model through social media could offer a viable solution from the rural India experience to a possible shared discussion. Further study may be conducted using customized cancer awareness video interventions considering vernacular needs to make interventions more impactful.

Breast cancer symptom profile longitudinal changes: data mining study

ObjectivesIdentifying stable co-occurring symptoms in breast cancer (BC) patients during chemotherapy can improve symptom management and the treatment process. This study examines symptom cluster stability in Iranian BC patients receiving...