scholarly journals Breast Cancer Knowledge and Breast Self-Examination Practices Among Female University Students in Kampala, Uganda: A Descriptive Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-134 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 3) ◽  
pp. 4s-4s
Author(s):  
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

Purpose Of the leading types of cancer in women, breast cancer presents with the highest number of cases and is the leading cause of cancer death in less developed countries. Despite the promising positive impact of the Internet on breast cancer awareness, there is a paucity of information on the effect of Internet access on breast cancer knowledge in Nigeria. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of Internet access on breast cancer knowledge and the perceived benefit of breast self-examination among adults residing in Akure Town, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to determine the effect of access to the Internet on breast cancer knowledge and the perceived benefit of breast self-examination among Akure residents. The study was conducted in 295 men and women age 18 to 60 years residing in Akure who were selected using a systematic sampling technique. A telephone survey was used to collect data. Simple frequency distribution was used to describe the data, and bivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between variables. Results Almost all adults residing in Akure are aware of breast cancer and more than one half have a good knowledge of the disease. Although more than one half of the study population was found to have a good knowledge of breast cancer, most adults do not have knowledge of the risk factors of breast cancer. Nearly 97% of the 84% of participants who have ever conducted breast self-examination does so at least once in a month. Adults residing in Akure who have access to the Internet were more than two times more likely to have a good knowledge of breast cancer compared with their counterparts with no Internet access. Conclusion Knowledge of breast cancer is above average among Akure adults; however, more than one half of the adult populace in Akure still lacks adequate knowledge of the risk factors of breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness programs that are targeted at Akure residents should emphasize breast cancer risk factors and use the platform provided by the Internet. AUTHOR’S DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc . No COIs from the author.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Samira S. Abo Al-Shiekh ◽  
Mohamed Awadelkarim Ibrahim ◽  
Yasser S. Alajerami

Breast cancer is the highest public detected cancer among female population in the majority of countries worldwide. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a useful screening tool to empower women and raise awareness about their breast tissues and help detect any breast abnormalities when they occur. This study aimed to assess the level of female university students’ knowledge and practice of BSE. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge about breast cancer and related items, and an observation checklist was used to test practicing BSE using a breast simulator. Eighty-six students participated in the study, 58.1% studying nursing and 41.9% studying clinical nutrition in the third (40.7%) or the fourth level (59.3%). Of them, 24.4% had previous family history of breast cancer. The majority of the students (80.2%) had previous information about breast cancer acquired from different sources, university studies (57%), the Internet (45%), and social media (41%). Findings showed good scores (≥70%) regarding signs and symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer; however, low knowledge scores (<70%) were detected regarding general knowledge about breast cancer disease, methods of early detection and management, and applying steps of practicing BSE. Roughly all the students (96.5%) have heard about BSE, and 69.8% knew the time to do BSE; however, only 31.4% practice it regularly. Three barriers to practice were dominant among students who do not have a breast problem (39.7%), do not know how to do it (37.9%), and being busy 31%. On the other hand, breast cancer early detection purpose and the presence of family history of breast cancer were considered facilitators to regular practice BSE. A statistically significant relationship existed between knowledge about the steps of applying the BSE and regular practicing. A training program should be implemented to increase the level of awareness about BC and practicing BSE.


2017 ◽  
Vol 06 (05) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roza Teshome Kassa ◽  
Hirut Tesfaye Wakjira ◽  
Menbere Berhanu Gebremariam ◽  
Selamawit Abera Tullu ◽  
Neima keyredin Shehissa

1990 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen Beckett ◽  
Selina Redman ◽  
Christina Lee

Fifty women with a history of breast lumps, and fifty control women matched for age and educational level, were administered a self-report questionnaire to determine knowledge of breast cancer, frequency and proficiency of breast self-examination (BSE), and health beliefs relating to BSE. Although women with previous breast lumps were more knowledgeable about breast cancer than those without, the two groups did not differ in attitudes or preventive behaviours. Overall knowledge of cancer and of BSE practice was low. This suggests a need for educational campaigns to increase knowledge and awareness, as a first step towards behaviour change, and a need for research to identify more effective predictors of BSE practice.


Jurnal NERS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Nyein Moh Moh Myint ◽  
Nursalam Nursalam ◽  
Eka Mishbahatul Mar’ah Has

Introduction: Breast self-examination (BSE) is the most sensitive and cost-effective method to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage in healthcare resources’ limited setting. However, the practice of BSE is low in Myanmar. Although various international studies were conducted to clarify the influencing factors in irregular BSE practice, there is a range of different factors and the answer is not yet clear. Hence, this study is aimed to explore the influencing factors on the practice of breast self-examination among Myanmar women.Methods: A qualitative exploratory-descriptive study was conducted on eight women through in-depth semi-structured interviews between February 2020 and March 2020. The samples were women who lived in the rural area of Myanmar and purposive sampling technique was used. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, which consisted of seven stages.Results: Four themes emerged as the results of the in-depth interview, namely knowledge of breast cancer, knowledge regarding breast self-examination, barriers to performing regular BSE and ways to improve BSE practice.Conclusion: This study showed that the women were inadequate in knowledge and practice regarding BSE and breast cancer. Some barriers of BSE practice are rooted in the inadequate skill of BSE and the women’s attitude.  Greater understanding about breast cancer and improving the confidence of women in BSE will lead to better prognosis. Hence, healthcare authorities and providers should encourage a formal health education program and the results from this study hope to be useful in future rural health education programs of BSE practice.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rumpa Sarker ◽  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Mst. Sabrina Moonajilin ◽  
Mahmudur Rahman ◽  
Hailay Abrha Gesesew ◽  
...  

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is the best approach towards its control that may result in alleviating related mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about breast cancer and both practices and perceived barriers to breast self-examination among female university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 400 female students of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. Participants were sampled from female dormitories at the university from January to April 2020. Proportionate stratified random sampling was conducted to calculate the study sample from each dormitory. A pre-tested, semi-structured self-reported questionnaire was employed to collect data from participants during the survey periods. The questionnaire consists of demographic variables, items about knowledge about breast cancer, breast self-examination practices and its barriers. We applied descriptive and inferential statistics, and data were analyzed using SPSS. Participants aged between 18-26 years and comprised university students of 1st year (20%), 2nd year (24%), 3rd year (22%), 4th year (21%) and Masters (14.%). 18% of them had reported positive family history (mother, aunt, sister/cousin, grandmother) of breast cancer. The overall mean score of total knowledge items was 15 (SD = 3) out of 43, with an overall correct rate of 34%. The mean score of total knowledge items was significantly higher (p<0.001) among Masters students and students with family members who have breast cancer. Only one in five students (21%) ever practiced breast self-examination. The mean score of practice towards breast self-examination was significantly higher (p<0.001) among participants who reported having family member of breast cancer. It is noted that the total knowledge score about breast cancer and practice towards breast self-examination are significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.54; p<0.001). About 33% participants had reported that lack of knowledge as the main barrier to practicing breast self-examination followed by I do not have the symptoms (22%), and shyness/ uncomfortable feelings (17%). The study revealed low levels of knowledge about breast cancer and low breast self-examination practices. This implies the need of promotion and implementation of educational interventions programs that are social and culturally appropriate and suitable for specific age groups.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalayu Birhane ◽  
Miskir Alemayehu ◽  
Belayneh Anawte ◽  
Gebru Gebremariyam ◽  
Ruth Daniel ◽  
...  

Background. Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in Ethiopia of all female cancers. It is considered to be a progressive disease with a poor prognosis if detected late. Breast self-examination is an important prevention method of breast cancer. This study was aimed at assessing practice and associated factors of breast self-examination (BSE) among female Debre Berhan University students in Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 among 420 using self-administrated questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done. Results. Majority of the study participants, 338 (84.5%), were between 20 and 24 years old with the mean age of 21.1 ± 1.65. Only 14 (3.5%) had family history of breast cancer. Two hundred fifty-six (64%) of the participants had heard about BSE and 30.25% had good knowledge about BSE. Mass media were the most common source of information about breast cancer. Few of the participants (28.3%) had performed BSE. Lack of knowledge on how to perform BSE was cited as the main reason for not practicing BSE. Knowing how to perform, when to perform, and position to perform BSE and having a perception that BSE is important and useful to detect breast cancer were significant predictors of practices of BSE. Conclusions. This study revealed that most of the participants had low knowledge and practice of BSE. Therefore, it important to develop health educational programs in the university to raise awareness about BSE and breast cancer so as to practice self-breast examination.


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