Breast Cancer Symptoms Research Articles

Early symptoms of breast cancer: typical and atypical manifestations

Early symptoms of breast cancer: typical and atypical manifestations

CN6 Health literacy in informal carers in relation to breast cancer prevention: A qualitative research in three European countries

The outcome of breast cancer (BC) treatment depends on the timing of its detection. However, womens’ adherence to screenings programmes is relatively poor with the average attendance in the EU being below 70%. There are many contributing factors with caregiving for a person with a chronic disease being a significant contributor to poor screening adherence. The purpose of this qualitative research was to investigate informal carers’ knowledge of BC, screening guidelines recommended practices and attitudes about the importance of screening for early detection of BC symptoms.

Self-reported symptoms among participants in a population-based screening program

BackgroundA limited number of studies have explored the association between self-reported symptoms and the risk of breast cancer among participants of population based screening programs. MethodsWe performed descriptive statistics on recall, screen-detected and interval cancer, positive predictive value and histopathological tumour characteristics by symptom group (asymptomatic, lump, and skin or nipple changes) as reported from 785,642 women aged 50–69 when they attended BreastScreen Norway 1996–2016. Uni- and multivariable mixed effects logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between symptom group and screen-detected or interval cancer. Results were presented as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). ResultsA lump or skin/nipple change was reported in 6.2% of the 3,307,697 examinations. The rate of screen-detected cancers per 1000 examinations was 45.2 among women with a self-reported lump and 5.1 among asymptomatic women. Adjusted odds ratio of screen-detected cancer was 10.1 (95% CI: 9.3–11.1) and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.6–2.5) for interval cancer among women with a self-reported lump versus asymptomatic women. Tumour diameter, histologic grade and lymph node involvement of screen-detected and interval cancer were less prognostically favourable for women with a self-reported lump versus asymptomatic women. ConclusionDespite targeting asymptomatic women, 6.2% of the screening examinations in BreastScreen Norway was performed among women who reported a lump or skin/nipple change when they attended screening. The odds ratio of screen-detected cancer was higher for women with versus without symptoms. Standardized follow-up guidelines might be beneficial for screening programs in order to take care of women reporting signs or symptoms of breast cancer when they attend screening.

Characteristics of Breast Cancer at First Presentation in Sudanese Patients Attending the National Cancer Institute–University of Gezira (NCI–UG)

Background: Little information is available about breast cancer (BC) in Sudan. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide baseline information about the demographic features and tumor characteristics, and also to investigate the associations between demographic variables and presentation stage in BC patients attending the National Cancer Institute-University of Gezira (NCI-UG), Sudan.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included all BC patients treated at the NCI-UG from January to December 2013. Patients' demographic, clinical and pathological data were retrieved from the hospital records and analyzed using SPSS version 20, and associations between these factors were tested as well.Results: A total of 232 cases were included in this research. The majority (97.8%) of subjects were females and 2.2% were males. The median age at diagnosis was 50 years (range, 22-90). The mean time between identification of symptoms and diagnosis was 13 months (SD=16.1). Clinical stages I, II, III, and IV represented 6.9%, 37.0%, 40.9% and 15.2%, respectively. Advanced stage at diagnosis was associated with longer duration between identifying the symptoms to diagnosis (P=0.006). Also the level of education of BC patients was significantly associated with clinical stage at presentation (P = 0.01).Conclusions: Sudanese patients with BC present at a younger age and with more advanced stage at diagnosis than those in developed countries. Patients' education level and duration from identification of BC symptoms to diagnosis significantly impact the stage at the time of presentation. In limited resource setting, early diagnosis of symptomatic BC is crucial in reducing the disease burden.

Reduction of breast lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer: a randomised controlled exercise trial.

Breast lymphoedema can occur following surgical treatment for breast cancer. We investigated whether an exercise program reduced breast lymphoedema symptoms compared to a non-exercise control group. A single-blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted in which women with stable breast lymphoedema (n = 89) were randomised into an exercise (n = 41) or control (n = 47) group. The intervention comprised a 12-week combined aerobic and resistance training program, supervised weekly by an accredited exercise physiologist. All participants completed a weekly symptoms diary and were assessed monthly to ensure that there was no exacerbation of their lymphoedema. Changes in the breast were captured physically with ultrasound and bioimpedance spectroscopy and changes in symptoms were captured using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Breast Cancer (BR23) and Lymphoedema Symptom Intensity and Distress questionnaires. The exercise group reported a greater reduction in breast-related symptoms than the control group, assessed by the EORTC BR23 breast symptom questions. Measures of extracellular fluid, assessed with bioimpedance spectroscopy ratio, decreased in the exercise group compared to the control group. No significant difference was detected in dermal thickness in the breast, assessed by ultrasound. Session attendance in the exercise sessions was high, with two musculoskeletal adverse events reported, but no exacerbations of lymphoedema observed. Combined resistance and aerobic exercise training is safe for women living with breast lymphoedema. Preliminary data suggest exercise training can reduce breast lymphoedema symptoms to a greater extent than usual care.

Impact of a mass media campaign on breast cancer symptoms awareness and screening uptake in Malaysia: findings from a quasi-experimental study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of a mass media campaign in terms of improving breast cancer (BC) symptoms awareness and screening uptake.DesignBefore—and after—study with comparator groups.SettingSelangor State, Malaysia.ParticipantsMalaysian women aged >40...

Barriers Of Early Diagnosis Of Breast Cancer: A Phenomenology Study Women In West Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia

Objective on this research is to understanding barriers to early diagnosis Of Breast Cancer In West Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia METHOD: In-depth qualitative interviews using grounded theory methods to identify themes, participants 20 women diagnosed cancer in West Nusa Tenggara Hospital.
 Result: Women mentioned a variety of barriers, including their barriers including lack of knowledge and awareness of informants about the early symptoms of breast cancer, and second theme their behavior seeking non-medical treatment. The study found the most vulnerable age is 41-50 years old, that is 50% of all informants, the most informants level of education is junior high school (40%), The most occupation is house wives which is 75% of all informant and 95% marital status informants is marriage. CONCLUSION: There are two barriers, lack of knowledge and awareness of informants about the early symptoms of breast cancer, and second theme their behavior seeking non-medical treatment.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Breast Cancer Women in Jordan

Most breast cancer patients endure excruciating and debilitating symptoms throughout their disease and treatment phases. Most breast cancer symptoms are difficult to manage [1,2]. Cancer symptoms can result from the disease process, cancer treatment, or other external factors and are classified into physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms [1-3].

Symptom Disclosure Process Among Iranian Women With Self-discovered Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Iranian women. Symptom disclosure plays an important role in help-seeking behavior among women with self-discovered breast cancer. The aim of this study was to explain how symptoms are disclosed by Iranian women. This study was conducted based on the grounded theory qualitative approach. Twenty-two Iranian women with breast cancer, who discovered the symptoms themselves and were referred to 2 teaching hospitals in Tehran and Qazvin, were included via purposive and theoretical sampling. The data were collected through semistructured interviews and were analyzed based on the Corbin and Strauss approach. The process of symptom disclosure had 5 stages including identifying the symptoms, evaluating and interpreting the symptoms, weighing the disclosure conditions, selecting the disclosure audience, and disclosing. The perceived threat was identified as the core category. On the basis of the level of threat perception and the seriousness of the symptoms, the 3 patterns of immediate disclosure, delayed disclosure, and nondisclosure were recognized. Perceived threat is the main motivator for rapid disclosure in Iranian women with potential breast cancer symptoms and leads to a better follow-up of the symptoms. Therefore, increasing women's awareness about breast cancer symptoms, treatments, and non-follow-up consequences leads to a better perception of the threat level. According to these findings, it is very important to increase Iranian women's awareness about the symptoms of breast cancer (especially the nonspecific ones). For this purpose, it is necessary to design educational interventions.

PENGARUH PENDIDIKAN KESEHATAN TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP REMAJA TENTANG PEMERIKSAAN PAYUDARA SENDIRI PADA SISWI SMK ANALIS KIMIA

Breast cancer is a breast disorder that is most feared by women. One reason for this disease can not be cured if found at an advanced stage. In fact, if detected early, this disease can actually be treated until healed. One way to detect breast cancer early is by self-awareness. Most women do not do breast self-examination due to lack of knowledge so women who do breast self-examination are still low. This study aims to determine the effect of health education on the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents about breast self-examination on Chemical Analyst Vocational School students. This type of research used in this research is quantitative research with experimental design (quasi-experimental or quasi-experimental) with one group pre-test and post-test designs. The determination of the sample is done by purposive sampling technique with a sample size of 80 respondents. The relationship test was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with the significance level α <0.05. The results of this study indicate that there are differences before and after health education is given a level of knowledge where the value of p = 0,000 is obtained, and the attitudes of adolescents obtained the value of p = 0,000. The conclusion of this study is that health education influences the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents about breast self-examination on Chemical Analyst Vocational School students. Therefore it is very important to be able to detect early symptoms of breast cancer. It is recommended that schools always hold a health outreach to women and work closely with health workers, especially about breast self-examination.

Can We Leverage HIV Prevention Programs for Breast Cancer Interventions? Preliminary Findings From a Study in Nigerian Women Working in the Informal Work Sector

PURPOSE Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigerian women. A large proportion of Nigerian women work as artisans in the informal work sector. As a population, they are unreached and underserved with poor access to BC information and screening services. Studies have demonstrated the feasibility of implementing HIV prevention programs through artisan groups. Integrating BC programs to existing HIV prevention programs may offer potentials to tap synergies and could lead to sustainable integrated interventions. This study assessed BC screening practices and the feasibility of implementing integrated HIV and BC programs among artisans. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out in 3 local government areas in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected using an electronic data capture tool from 400 consenting respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique. Knowledge of BC and HIV were measured on 14- and 8-item scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests at P &lt; .05. RESULTS A quarter of the 400 respondents were age ≥ 40 years, a third were Muslims, and 64.8% had secondary level education or less. One third (32.8%) of the respondents had adequate knowledge of BC signs and symptoms. Of the respondents, 11.3% of the women received clinical breast examination, while the mammography rate for women age ≥ 40 years was 9.0%. In contrast, the proportion of artisans with adequate knowledge of HIV’s modes of transmission was 92.7% and HIV screening was 74%. Educational level, religion, and knowledge of BC signs and symptoms were significantly associated with BC screening ( P &lt; .05). Rate of willingness to participate in an integrated HIV and BC intervention was 95.5%. CONCLUSION BC knowledge and screening practices are low. Findings will inform the development of an integrated intervention that can serve as a model with the potential to expand coverage, and reduce missed opportunities for early detection and treatment of BC and other noncommunicable diseases.

Awareness, attitudes and practices of women in relation to breast cancer in Niger

IntroductionIn Niger, breast cancer is the first cancer related morbidity and mortality within female population. While awareness can contribute to early diagnosis and disease mortality reduction, Niger women's knowledge of breast cancer is not well documented. In this study, we assessed the awareness, attitudes and practices of women in relation to breast cancer and identify the factors associated with it. MethodsThe study was conducted through a cross sectional survey in Zinder and Niamey regions. A random sampling was used to select women in households within health districts. We defined a breast cancer knowledge score and used a generalized linear model to assess factors associated with it. ResultsOverall women's knowledge of breast cancer was found to be low, only 41.2% (37.5–45.0) were aware of breast cancer. 65.0% (61.3–68.7) of women demonstrated an awareness of symptoms. Insufficient level of knowledge was observed on knowledge of risk and protection factors with 27.4 % (24.0–31.0), breast cancer good practice with 16.9% (14.2–19.7). Age OR = 0.98 (0.96–0.99), practicing clinical breast examination OR = 2.25 (1.31–3.16), breastfeeding 3.34 (2.12–5.26), not having a history of participation in breast cancer screening and living in rural and peri-urban areas were found to be associated with awareness of breast cancer. ConclusionNiger women were found to have a relatively low level of breast cancer awareness. While not acquainted with self and clinical breast examination, Niger women knowledge of breast cancer symptoms was acceptable. Awareness programs can promote clinical breast examination as mammography is not common and promote early detection procedures.

Breast cancer stigma among Indonesian women: a case study of breast cancer patients

BackgroundThe stigma experienced by cancer patients stems from the association of cancer with death, as cancer is the most feared disease worldwide, especially among cancer patients and their families. The stigma regarding breast cancer screening behaviour has not been critically evaluated and is poorly understood; therefore, we aimed to analyse the stigmatization of breast cancer patients in Indonesia to reduce the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer.MethodsA qualitative study using a focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interviews with thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsOne informant experienced breast pain and kept the referral letter, in which the medical doctor advised medical treatment, to herself for 3 months due to her embarrassment. A traditional healing practice known as ‘kerokan’, which involves scraping of the skin, and consumption of a traditional drink were used by most informants to decrease their breast pain. Finally, most informants were diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer when they returned to the health care facility. In addition, financial difficulties were noted as barriers to breast cancer screening in Indonesia.ConclusionsFeelings of fear and shame when diagnosed with breast cancer were reported by the informants in this study. Alternative treatment known as ‘kerokan’ was the first treatment sought for breast cancer symptoms due to financial difficulties among breast cancer patients. Informants were diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer after they returned to the health care facility. A better understanding of early breast cancer symptoms could motivate women to seek out breast cancer treatment.

Abstract C099: Variance in mode of detection for breast cancer by breast density and stage at diagnosis: A pilot study

Abstract Introduction and Background: Mammography is thought to have an overall sensitivity of 87% according to the Breast Cancer Screening Consortium (BCSC). However, evidence from more recent studies indicate that a significant proportion of patients come into care with breast cancer symptoms, which trigger diagnosis rather than regular screening mammography. Women with breast cancer symptoms often have advanced cancer at diagnosis. This implies that previous negative mammograms are false negatives, and that screening mammography alone was insufficient for this population. Such populations include women with dense breasts, for whom mammography has a known 10-29% decrease in regardless of stage at diagnosis, and women who do not use screening mammography regularly or at all. Specific Experimental Aims: In a US population-based cohort of women who have developed first time breast cancer, we will 1) determine the variance in mode of detection, and 2) determine if mode of detection varied by breast density or by stage at diagnosis. Methods and Design: We identified a cohort of 386 women with a diagnosis of first time breast cancer (ICD codes) within a 7 county, 98.5% coverage population. We randomly sampled 30 women and performed chart review. The data were collated in REDCap, and reported with descriptive statistics. Results: In our pilot random sample (n=30), 33% (10/30) of women had DCIS, 30% (9/30) had non-advanced cancer, and 37% (11/30) had advanced cancer. For women with DCIS, 90% (9/10) were found with screening mammography, compared to only 44% (4/9) of non-advanced, and 45% (5/11) advanced cancers. Approximately 43% (13/30) of women in this sample had dense breasts. Interestingly, 61.5% (8/13) women with dense breasts, and 62.5% (10/16) of women with non-dense breasts had screening mammography as the mode of detection. Finally, among women with dense breasts, 46.1% (6/13) had DCIS, 30.8% (4/13) had non-advanced cancer, and 23.1% (3/13) had advanced cancer, while for women with non-dense breasts, 25% (4/16) had DCIS, 31.2% (5/16) had non-advanced cancer, and 43.8% (7/16) had advanced cancer. Conclusions and Future Directions: These pilot data suggest that our population reflects both the breast density rate (47%, BCSC) and the rate of advanced cancers (36%, SEER) found in the national population, and that there is a strong likelihood that regardless of breast density, but especially for non-DCIS, screening mammography alone may not be sufficient detect breast cancer (44-45%) compared to the BCSC statistic of 87%. This may be due to misattribution of mode of detection for breast cancer, especially in symptomatic later stages of disease. Once the full study is completed, future research regarding outcomes (mortality and otherwise) and stage at diagnosis for patients who use additional screening methods may be valuable. In addition, for women with lower access to, or who choose not to use screening mammography, future research regarding revisiting the use of SBE and CBE as well as other modalities may also be valuable. Citation Format: Susanna N Basappa, Lila JF Rutten. Variance in mode of detection for breast cancer by breast density and stage at diagnosis: A pilot study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C099.

Abstract A023: Results from a town hall meeting: Inflammatory breast cancer listening session led by KOMEN scholars

Abstract Introduction: Cancer is the leading cause of death in North Carolina. While the incidence rate of breast cancer (BC) is higher in White women, African American and Latino women are more likely to die from BC than White women. Moreover, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of BC, and African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with IBC compared to whites, have poor BC outcomes, and generally are less likely to get life-saving information and resources to reduce cancer risks. Additionally, work is needed to improve diagnosis rates and decrease time to treatment for IBC patients. Translational research scientists do not get exposure to community engagement opportunities that can add to their knowledge of the research spectrum around a particular disease. Engaging new researchers in this arena can add to addressing cancer disparities research. Methods: An IBC listening session was conducted during the annual Women's Health Awareness Day conference sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and North Carolina Central University. The session was developed by KOMEN translational health disparities researchers as part of their enhanced community engagement training program. Scholars created the marketing plan and listening session guide for the program with guidance and training from staff experts. Scholars were note takers, facilitators, and created summary reports that highlighted guiding questions for the session, which included the following questions: 1)What do you know about BC? 2) Are you aware of different types of breast cancers? 3) Have you heard of IBC? 4) How aware do you think people in your community are about BC and IBC? 5) Where do you get your information about BC and IBC? 6) What are ways we should educate the community with getting information on how to become aware about the signs and symptoms of IBC? Results: There were 49 African American and Latina participants. Only 15 of 49 attendees had heard of IBC. Most women were aware of causes and symptoms of breast cancer; however, there was a lack of awareness around IBC. Those aware of IBC learned about it from their coworkers, doctors, or had family members die from the disease. Participants recommended more one-on-one education, patient self-advocacy sessions, making education and awareness available online, changing breast cancer communication to include IBC symptoms, and letting people know that you can have breast cancer without the presence of lumps. Conclusion: Poor awareness, communication, and education around inflammatory breast cancer risk factors were substantial. There is significant need to raise awareness in diverse communities about inflammatory breast cancer risks, screening guidelines, diagnosis, and treatment options. Community-engaged research lead by under-represented researcher scholars in training can add to the translational research training experience. Citation Format: Maria Dixion, Kearston L. Ingraham, Seronda A. Robinson, Jodie M. Fleming, Gayathri R. Devi, Holly Hough, Hamzah Kharabsheh, Dana M. Austin, Tia A. Tate, Artis Woodard, Joshua Alexander, Joan P. Packenham, Nadine J. Barrett, Kevin P. Williams. Results from a town hall meeting: Inflammatory breast cancer listening session led by KOMEN scholars [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A023.

Abstract C097: Navigation needs among African Americans

Abstract Abstract Introduction: Patient navigation is emerging as a strategy for addressing barriers to cancer screening among African Americans; however, navigation should address the specific needs and barriers to obtaining screening. The purpose of this study was to identify navigation needs for cancer screening in a community-based sample of African American men and women. Methods: Participants were enrolled in an observational study of community-based navigation for cancer control. Eligibility criteria were African American men and women aged 50-75 years who resided in the Philadelphia, PA metropolitan area, and had no personal history or symptoms of prostate, breast and colon cancer. The main outcome variable was navigation needs for cancer screening. The exposure variables that were assessed were socioeconomic characteristics, sociocultural factors such perceived risk of developing cancer and future temporal orientation and perceptions of social integration, and history of family members with cancer. Chi square tests and analysis of variance were utilized to assess the associations between potential factors and identified barriers. Results: A total of 268 participants were enrolled in the study and of these, 161 (60%) identified navigation needs for cancer screening: cost/lack of insurance (66, 25%), ignorance/lack of knowledge (73, 27%) and provider issues (22, 8%). The main barrier identified by participants that were younger (&amp;lt;56 years) was cost/lack of insurance (51%) while the main barrier identified by older participants (&amp;gt;56 years) was ignorance/lack of knowledge (47%), [p: 0.04]. Most participants (63%) who had a higher perception of developing breast or prostate cancer identified ignorance/lack of knowledge as barrier to screening while most participants (51%) who had a higher perception of developing colon cancer had cost/lack of insurance as barrier to colon cancer screening, [p: 0.01]. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that navigation for cancer screening may need to address lack of knowledge and cost/lack of health insurance. Navigation programs for cancer screening may need to address different needs depending on the age and perceived risk of participants. Citation Format: Oluwole A Babatunde, Melanie Jefferson, Jerry C Johnson, Chanita Hughes-Halbert. Navigation needs among African Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C097.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Dynamic cross propagation algorithm based detection of micro calcification in digital mammogram

Micro calcification in mammograms may be considered early signs of breast cancer. However, their detection by a variety of factors is a very challenging task to find cancer in an instant starting stage. A breast compression, more difficult breast anatomy, and in some cases, inaccessible size calculations, as well as the significant variation of low contrast, inherent to mammograms. Therefore a computerized image processing scheme is implemented for detecting early-stage Microcalcification in mammograms. Necessarily the masses and microcalcification may be a prominent early symptom of breast cancer. This proposed Dynamic Cross Propagation Algorithm (DCPA) tested several images from digital database mammography for cancer research and diagnosis. In the first stage of preprocessing will proceed for reducing noise in the original image. In the second stage to Finding of interest, which can be done by using a superior region of interest (SROI) detection and region segmentation, is in the area of a suspicious mass on a mammogram. After detecting suspicious mass on the mammogram, the features like mean, standard deviation, variance, skewness, and entropy values are obtained for further classification. In the Fourth stage the feature result, based classification using the proposed Dynamic Cross Propagation Algorithm (DCPA) compiles to find the loss function in the micro image and compare it with the train the model. In this method, SROI fractal dimensions have computed the value that corresponds with training data to find the suspicious microcalcification regions. The proposed system shows a high rate of true positives and a low rate of false-positive, a superior performance compared to the conventional method. The performance of the proposed DCPA technique is analyzed in terms of precision, recall and F-measure. The experimental results produced a classification that gives better accuracy 98.38% of which indicates that the proposed system is more promising in classification digital mammograms.

Knowledge of symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer among women: a community based study in a low socio-economic area of Mumbai, India

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is leading cancer among women in India accounting for 27% of all cancers among women. Factors that make the policymakers and public health system worried are rising incidence of breast cancer in India and more importantly high death rates among breast cancer patients. One of the leading causes of high breast cancer deaths is lack of awareness and screening leading to the late presentation at an advanced stage. Therefore, the current research aimed to understand the knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors among women in a low socio-economic area of Mumbai.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Prabhadevi, Mumbai and primary data was collected from 480 women aged 18–55 years. Structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data pertaining to awareness, signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Bivariate and multivariate regression techniques were used for understanding of the socio-demographic differentials in breast cancer awareness among women.ResultsThe study found that around half (49%) of the women were aware of breast cancer. The women who were aware of breast cancer considered lump in breast (75%), change in shape and size of breast (57%), lump under armpit (56%), pain in one breast (56%) as the important and common symptoms. Less than one-fifth of the women who were aware of breast cancer reported early menstruation (5.6%), late menopause (10%), hormone therapy (13%), late pregnancy (15%) and obesity (19%) as the risk factors for breast cancer. The multivariate regression analysis showed women who had more than 10 years of schooling (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 3.93, CI: 2.57–6.02, P < 0.01) were about 4 times more likely to be aware of breast cancer than women who had less than 10 years of schooling.ConclusionIn conclusion, knowledge of danger signs and risk factors of breast cancer were low among women in the community. This may lead to late detection of breast cancer among women in the community. Therefore, the study calls for advocacy and larger intervention to enhance knowledge of breast cancer among women in the particular region with a special reference to women with low education.

Cancer-Relevant Self-Efficacy Is Related to Better Health-Related Quality of Life and Lower Cancer-Specific Distress and Symptom Burden Among Latina Breast Cancer Survivors.

Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) often report poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL), higher symptom burden, and greater psychosocial needs compared to non-Latina BCS. However, Latinas are underrepresented in cancer survivorship research and more work is needed to examine the factors contributing to these psychosocial disparities. This study aimed to evaluate potentially modifiable patient characteristics associated with HRQOL, breast cancer concerns, and cancer-specific distress among Latina BCS. Baseline data was evaluated in 95 Latina BCS who participated in a smartphone-based psychosocial intervention designed to improve HRQOL. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between modifiable factors that have been shown to favorably impact outcomes in cancer populations (i.e., cancer-relevant self-efficacy, breast cancer knowledge) with overall and domain-specific HRQOL, breast cancer symptom burden, and cancer-specific distress, after controlling for sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics. Greater cancer-relevant self-efficacy was related to better overall HRQOL as well as better social, emotional, and functional well-being domains. Greater cancer-relevant self-efficacy was also related to less breast cancer symptom burden and less cancer-specific distress. Breast cancer knowledge was not associated with any of the study outcomes. Results demonstrate that cancer-relevant self-efficacy is a significant correlate of general and domain-specific HRQOL, breast cancer symptom burden, and cancer-specific distress among Latina BCS. Future interventions in this population should target cancer-relevant self-efficacy as a possible mechanism to improve HRQOL outcomes and survivorship experiences for Latina BCS.

Validity of Breast Cancer Symptom Questionnaire and Its Relationship With Breast Ultrasonography in Young Female Night Workers.

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify the validity of breast cancer symptom questionnaire of worker's special health examination and its relationship with breast ultrasonography findings in young female night workers.MethodsThe breast cancer symptom questionnaire data of worker's special health examination and breast ultrasonography results in young female shift workers who worked in one electronic manufacture company were collected from 2014 to 2018.ResultsOf the 857 workers, 18 had a Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System category 4 or higher. Among other variables, shift work tenure alone was associated with the risk of having a Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System category higher than 4. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the symptom questionnaire were 16.7%, 87.7%, 2.8%, and 98.0%, respectively.ConclusionThe current breast cancer symptom questionnaire of the worker's special health examination is inappropriate due to its low sensitivity and positive predictive value. In the future, female night workers will need alternative measures for more accurate screening for breast cancer.