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Introduction: There is a necessity of Pakistani (Urdu) translation and validation of Breast self-examination (BSE) self-efficacy scale to access high- risk women confidence in doing self-examination of breast as screening measures. The study aim is to translate and validate breast self-examination self-efficacy scale in Pakistani high-risk women. Methodology: The 12 items BSE Self-Efficacy scale was translated and validated by using Brislin (1970) and Sperber (2004) methodology. Psychometric properties of Pakistan version BSE Self-Efficacy scale were assessed among 120 women from oncology department of the tertiary care hospital in Pakistan selected with simple random sampling. CFA (Confirmatory factor analysis) was done for measuring the construct validity and reliability was assessed by Cronbach alpha coefficient. Demographics characteristics were analysed by descriptive statistics with SPSS and Mplus software was used for CFA. Results: The translated version showed semantic equivalence to the original English version. CFA results indicated that all 12 items were consistent with a unidimensional scale (?2=464.3, p > .05, df=54, RMSEA =.025, CFI=.965, TLI=.913, SRMR=.062), Cronbach’s ? value .96, demonstrating high reliability. Conclusion: The twelve-item BSE self-efficacy scale Pakistani version established appropriate translation, validity and reliability in measuring confidence of doing BSE.
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Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females. In India, breast cancer is the top most cancer with about 13.6% new cases diagnosed in 2020. Current knowledge of the aetiology of breast cancer offers little prospect of primary prevention. So secondary prevention like breast screening, which include self breast examination have to be done. The present study was designed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding BSE among women aged 18 years and above. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 241 females above 18 years of age in rural health care training centre affiliated to IGGMC, Nagpur. All consecutive participants were interviewed in person using a predesigned and pre-tested proforma. SPSS Version 20 was used to analyse the data collected. Results: It was seen that the mean age of participants was 29.98±7.382 years The majority of participants were belonged to the Hindu religion (63.9%) and nuclear family (82.57%). Majority of participants (68.05%) were having poor knowledge about BSE, most of the participants were having good attitude (51.45%), majority of participants (53.11%) were having poor practice to BSE. Conclusions: BSE is one of the most effective preventive health behaviour for the early detection of breast cancer. In this study, it is evident that knowledge about BSE is low. This indicate that there is a need for Health education about breast cancer and BSE among the rural population of India to improve the KAP about BSE for early detection and better survival.
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Background: Breast cancer occurs in an observable organ, thus awareness regarding its symptoms can help in its early detection and treatment. Although breast self-examination (BSE) is an old technique, evidence reveals many of females are not aware regarding this, and those with knowledge about breast cancer examination either fail to practice it or do so incorrectly. Methods: It was a cross-sectional exploratory survey. 505 females attending outpatient department (OPD) at selected tertiary care hospital were recruited in the study using simple random sampling. Each participant was given a set of validated questionnaires to answer. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding socio demographic data, knowledge, awareness, and practice regarding BSE. All data were coded, validated, and analyzed utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics techniques. Results: The study revealed that the largest proportion (42.06%) of subjects fell within the age range of 20-30 years. Total mean score of knowledge and awareness regarding breast self-examination was 9.68±3.5. Maximum 58.42% of the subjects had average knowledge and awareness followed by 23.96% having good knowledge and awareness and least (17.62%) had poor knowledge and awareness regarding BSE. Almost half i.e., 50.49% (255) of participants reported to perform BSE and 49.51% of participants had never practiced BSE. Conclusions: The study revealed that while participants had average knowledge levels, they showed low involvement in routine BSE. This underscores the need for educational interventions to promote BSE practices, identify risk factors and warning signs, and encourage early-stage management of breast cancer, ultimately contributing to primary prevention in healthcare.
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Introduction: The practice of breast self-examination (BSE) does not adopt a community-directed approach, and hence lack the influence of community dynamics. Community-directed strategy to promote BSE through Breast Examination Health Education Network Advocator (BEHENA) acknowledges the impact of collective support. Objectives: To increase the knowledge and empower women aged ?20 years with the help of BEHENA in correctly performing BSE and to identify the perception and challenges encountered by BEHENA in promoting BSE. Methods: A mixed-methods study design will be employed, wherein in the first phase, local women satisfying eligibility criteria will be selected as BEHENA and trained in BSE. In the second phase, these BEHENA workers will sensitize and train the study participants in BSE. In the third phase, the participants will be periodically monitored to monitor BSE sustenance practice. Finally, focus group discussions will be conducted to identify their perceptions and challenges encountered in promoting BSE. Results: An improvement in awareness levels and empowerment of rural women with the skills necessary to perform accurate and effective BSE. Conclusion: Upon the completion of the project, the best practices and lessons learned during the entire duration of implementation will be documented. The findings of the study will be shared with all the concerned stakeholders.
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Background: Breast self-examination (BSE) is a preventive and easy way for people to keep an eye on the health of their breasts. People who routinely examine their breasts may be able to identify changes or abnormalities at an early stage, which may help in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. This self-care routine encourages an active approach to breast health and actively participate in their own well-being. Objectives of the study were assessment of the knowledge and attitude on breast self-examination among female college students, to assess the major barrier to perform breast self-examination, and to assess the impact of pharmacist mediated education program on breast cancer. Methods: This study is an interventional cross-sectional community based-survey. 1007 students’ female college students at Adichuchanagiri University in B. G. Nagar belonging to 18-33 years were chosen at random using stratified sampling. Knowledge, attitude on breast cancer. Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 25. Results: In pre-test out of 1007 students 251 students had good knowledge about breast self-examination. In post-test 1006 members had good knowledge about breast self-examination. In our study statistical relation found between pre and post questionnaires (p=0.001). Conclusions: The study emphasizes how important it is to launch educational programs to increase awareness of breast self-examination. Additionally, awareness needs to be raised by removing known barriers. It is important to encourage women in the community to self-examine their breasts and to report any changes to a doctor as soon as possible.
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Background: Our study focused on evaluating the risk factors associated with breast cancer among young women and highlighting the significance of early screening in this population, considering that breast cancer has the most common prevalence in women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled women aged between 20 and 40 years who participated through a self-administered questionnaire. Data collection spanned 6 months, during which 250 young women were randomly recruited from different colleges in Jabalpur city, Madhya Pradesh, India. Results: Among the 250 women surveyed, 45 (18.0%) experienced early menarche and 33 (13.20%) had previously used oral contraceptives (OCP). In terms of preventive practices, 176 women (70.4%) had not engaged in breast self-examination, while 200 (80%) had not undergone clinical breast examination (CBE). However, 50 (20%) reported practicing CBE only when experiencing pain. None of the participants had undergone mammography. Regarding attitudes toward consumption of hormonal pills, 123 (49.2%) agreed that they would not take them without a prescription. Furthermore, approximately 91% did not follow weight management strategies, and 38.4% practiced meditation for stress reduction. Moreover, among the 250 young women surveyed, 218 (87.2%) did not engage in regular physical exercise (at least 3 h/week). Conclusions: While young women exhibit some risk factors for breast cancer, they often neglect appropriate preventive measures. Hence, it is recommended to commence breast cancer screening early, especially for those at elevated risk. Emphasizing awareness of breast self-examination is crucial. Moreover, launching screening programs is essential to facilitate timely detection and reduce mortality rates linked with breast cancer, especially among India’s younger female population.
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The review paper discusses the concept of breast self-examination (BSE), a vital screening method for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. It uses the Walker and Avant analysis method to develop an operational definition, identify critical attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of BSE. BSE is crucial for early detection and survival rates, especially in developing countries. It is a cheap and accessible technique for detecting abnormal cells in normal breast tissue, making it useful in underdeveloped countries with limited resources. Defining attributes of BSE include breast awareness, breast examination for lumps and changes, a screening measure for detecting breast cancer, recommended timing after the menstrual period, primary prevention of breast cancer, self-awareness aiding in early detection, and cost-effectiveness in resource-poor countries. The paper also discusses antecedents and consequences of BSE, including knowledge and perception about BSE, personal and family history of breast cancer, health literacy campaigns, education level, increasing age, obesity, and reproductive factors. Conclusions of BSE include the practice of BSE and early detection of breast cancer, motivation towards screening, self-awareness, physical activity, and self-efficacy. The paper provides empirical referents for measuring and assessing BSE, such as structured questionnaires, scales based on health belief models, knowledge tests, and health action process approaches.
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Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide. It is one of the prime health issues in developed and developing countries because of the high prevalence of known risk factors. In the present study, we assess the knowledge of breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) screening practices among women in the capital city, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, North India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural areas of Lucknow. The period of study was one year, starting from December 2020 to November 2021. Data were obtained from 400 adult women (212 rural and 193 urban) using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Participants aged >20 years were randomly selected from two rural and two urban community health centres (CHCs). The questionnaire assessed respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors, signs and symptoms, early detection methods, and knowledge and practices related to self-breast examination among women in Lucknow. Results: Out of 400 respondents, only 33.5% (rural) and 55.96% (urban) women had heard of breast cancer. 17.55% (rural) and 13.47% (urban) women had heard about BSE. 4.72% (rural) and 8.81% (urban) women practice BSE occasionally. Knowledge about breast cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, and screening methods was similarly poor in women of Lucknow. Conclusions: This finding correlated significantly with older age, higher levels of education, and occupation. There is a low level of awareness of breast cancer in Lucknow's urban and rural areas. BSE is hardly practiced, though the willingness to learn it is high.
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Background- Breast cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, particularly among females, with high incidence rates in India. Early detection through Breast Self-Examination (BSE) methods is crucial for improving survival rates. However, awareness and knowledge about breast cancer and BSE remain inadequate among the population. This study assesses female students' understanding and knowledge levels at SLN Medical College and a nearby women's college in India. Methods- A self-structured questionnaire was administered to female students over three months, from January 2022 to March 2022. Convenience sampling was employed to select participants from SLN Medical College and a neighbouring women's college. The questionnaire covered various aspects of breast cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, preventive measures, and attitudes towards BSE. Data analysis used descriptive statistics to identify trends and patterns in breast cancer awareness and knowledge among the participants. Results- The demographic analysis revealed a diverse distribution among the 160 participants, with the majority aged 18-20 pursuing graduate courses. While a high percentage had heard about breast cancer and recognized the importance of screening, knowledge about symptoms and family history was limited. Only a minority reported familiarity with BSE. Educational interventions were conducted to address knowledge gaps, with a significant proportion expressing interest in learning more about breast cancer. Conclusion- Addressing knowledge gaps surrounding breast cancer and BSE is critical for improving early detection rates and reducing mortality. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educational institutions are essential for implementing effective awareness initiatives
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Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre el conocimiento con la práctica y sus dimensiones sobre la prevención de cáncer de mama, en estudiantes del programa de estudios de Enfermería de la Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae, 2022. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal y correlacional con un total de 224 estudiantes de Enfermería. Se utilizaron cuestionarios autodirigidos para medir las variables. La prueba estadística fue la regresión logística binaria en base de Odds ratio crudo con Intervalo de confianza del 95 % y su valor de ≤ 0,05. Resultados: El conocimiento sobre la prevención del cáncer de mama (OR = 1,77 IC = 1,03 - 3,03 p = 0,038) se asoció con la práctica sobre la prevención del cáncer de mama. Además, el 57,59 % de los estudiantes conoce sobre la prevención del cáncer de mama y el 54,02 % presentó una práctica inadecuada. Conclusión: Los estudiantes que conocen las medidas preventivas del cáncer de mama lo practican. Además, un poco más de la mitad de los estudiantes conoce sobre el cáncer de mama, pero no lo practica adecuadamente. Se recomienda que en los programas de Enfermería se incorporen más cursos sobre salud pública o desalud comunitaria y que tanto mujeres como hombres practiquen medidas de detección temprana.
Abstract Objective: To evaluate the association between knowledge with practice and its dimensions on the prevention of breast cancer in students of the Nursing study program of the Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae, 2022. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional and correlationalstudy with a total of 224 Nursing students. Self-administered questionnaires were used to measure the variables. The statistical test was binary logistic regression based on crude odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and its value of ≤ 0.05. Results: Knowledge about breast cancer prevention (OR = 1.77 CI = 1.03 - 3.03 p = 0.038) was associated with practice about breast cancer prevention. In addition, 57.59% of the students know about the prevention of breast cancer and 54.02% presented an inadequate practice. Conclusion: students who know the preventive measures of breast cancer practice it. In addition, a little more than half of the students know about breast cancer, but do not practice it properly. It is recommended that Nursing programs incorporate more courses on public or community health and that both women and men practice early detection measures.
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Background: Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the early detection methods for breast cancer that is simple, inexpensive, effective, and non-invasive, although it is not commonly known or used routinely. The primary issues with BSE are a lack of information, a lack of drive, and irregular BSE practices. This causes breast cancer patients to seek treatment at a more advanced stage, making treatment more challenging. This research aims to evaluate the relationship between Indonesian community nuns' knowledge, motivation, and BSE behaviour. Methods: This research is descriptively correlative and employs a cross-sectional approach. Indonesian community nuns between the ages of 20 and 60 made up the research's total sampling of 106 respondents. In this research, a questionnaire and chi-square tests were utilized as instruments. If the p value is 0.05, statistical test results are deemed significant. Results: The univariate analysis indicated that 61.3% of respondents had adequate BSE knowledge, 50.9% of respondents were highly motivated, and 50.9% of respondents displayed appropriate behaviour. The results of the bivariate test revealed a correlation between knowledge and BSE-related behaviour (p-value = 0.007) and between motivation and BSE-related behaviour among Indonesian community nuns (p-value = 0.020 and OR = 2.720). Conclusions: On the basis of the research authors' findings, the regularity of monthly BSE behaviour among Indonesian community nuns must be enhanced and trained continually to develop excellent habits. Through frequent seminars and counselling, the community is expected to equip nuns with an activity program for breast cancer detection.
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Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is the leading cause of death among women with 40-45 years old. The only way to manage this disease is early diagnosis through screening which helps in detecting breast cancer in 90% of women that it can be treated in about 90% of women. The best accessible and affordable way to screening is breast self-examination (BSE). The main objective of the study is to assess the awareness (knowledge, attitude and practice) regarding breast self-examination among women aged 30 years and above residing in a rural area. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to January 2017 in villages under Ittamadu Primary Health Centre area, Ramnagara District. A total of 600 women aged 30 years or above who gave written informed consent participated in the study. A semi structured questionnaire was administered by interview method. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis. Results: This study revealed that the awareness regarding breast cancer among adult women aged 30 years and above was 4%. Majority of the study participants had poor knowledge regarding BSE, however they had favourable attitude towards BSE. With regard to practice of BSE, only 4% of the study participants practiced BSE. Conclusions: Breast self-examination is one of the most appropriate, convenient and cost-effective method that can be done by every woman for early detection of breast cancer and all women after the age of 18 years should be trained to do BSE correctly and regularly by healthcare workers and doctors.
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Background: Breast self-examination involves the women herself looking at the mirror and feeling each breast for possible lumps and distortion or swelling. It is seen that more than 10% to 20% breast cancer is detected by breast self-examination. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge regarding breast self-examination among middle aged women in a selected community setting of Uttarakhand. A total of 62 samples were selected through systematic randomized sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire was administered through interview technique to assess the knowledge. Results: Most of the (49%) women had poor knowledge regarding breast self-examination. There was significant association between age of the samples, education status, family income and previous information regarding breast self-examination with knowledge score. Conclusions: The study concluded that there was inadequate knowledge regarding breast self-examination among middle aged women in Uttarakhand. There is a need for educational programs to create awareness and improve knowledge regarding routine breast self-examination.
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Background: Breast cancer is the most common and remains a major health problem all over the world, affecting both developing and developed countries. The strategy to detect early breast cancer is important which includes breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination, and mammography. The studies have found that women who reported that they had been BSE performers had their breast cancer detected at a smaller size and earlier clinicopathological stage. There is a paucity of data on the knowledge and practice of BSE in Nepal among the female population of eastern Nepal. Therefore, this study is conducted to know the knowledge and practice of BSE among the female population attending the general outpatient department. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over one and half years among 262 females attending general outpatients, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The majority of the participants (29.4%) were in 3rd decade of life followed by 2nd decade (26%). Forty-one (41%) of the respondents had ever heard of BSE and the main source of information was social media (51%). Only 14.5% had adequate knowledge of BSE. Out of all, only 10.7 % were practicing BSE and the frequency of practice among them was rarely (53.5%). Seventy-two (72%) responded that they don’t know how to perform when asked why they did not perform BSE. Conclusions: This study revealed that most of the participants had low knowledge and practice of BSE. Therefore, developing a health education program to raise awareness about BSE is important.
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Introducción: El cáncer de mama constituye en la actualidad un problema de salud pública, tanto en América Latina como a nivel mundial, por su frecuencia y aumento progresivo en el número de mujeres que lo padecen. Objetivo: Identificar la morbilidad oculta por cáncer de mama y sus factores de riesgo en la población femenina de 30 años y más en el Consultorio Médico de la Familia No. 6 del Policlínico Camilo Torres Restrepo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal para identificar algunos factores de riesgo del cáncer de mama en la población femenina perteneciente al Consultorio Médico de la Familia N° 6, del Policlínico Docente Camilo Torres Restrepo, de enero a diciembre del 2022. La población de estudio estuvo conformada por las 131 mujeres de 30 años y más, las cuales fueron pesquisadas a través de entrevista y examen físico de las mamas. Para el análisis de los datos se emplearon números absolutos y porcentajes como medidas de resumen. Resultados: El sedentarismo, la obesidad/sobrepeso y el tabaquismo, fueron los factores de riesgo de mayor prevalencia con el 41,2 % y 29,8 % respectivamente. El 53,4 % de las mujeres manifestaron no realizarse el autoexamen de mama. El 94,7 % de las mujeres presentaron examen físico negativo y un 5,3 % fue dudoso. Conclusiones: Factores de riesgos relacionados con los estilos de vida como el sedentarismo, la obesidad/sobrepeso y el tabaquismo, fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes. A pesar de la mayoría de las mujeres presentar examen físico negativo, la no realización del autoexamen de mama, pudiera contribuir al aumento de la morbilidad por esta enfermedad en la población de estudio.
Introduction: Breast cancer is currently a public health problem both in Latin America and worldwide, due to its frequency and progressive increase in the number of women who suffer from it. Objective: To identify hidden morbidity due to breast cancer and its risk factors in the female population aged 30 years and over in medical office No. 6, of the Camilo Torres Restrepo Polyclinic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to identify some risk factors for breast cancer in the female population belonging to the Family Medical Office No. 6, of the Camilo Torres Restrepo Teaching Polyclinic, from January to December 2022. The population of the study was comprised of 131 women aged 30 and over, who were screened through an interview and physical examination of the breasts. For data analysis, absolutes numbers and percentages were used as summary measures. Results: Sedentary lifestyle, obesity/overweight and smoking, were the most frequent risk factors with 41.2% and 29.8% respectively. 53.4% of women stated that they did not perform breast self-examination. 94.7% of the women had a negative physical examination and 5.3% were doubtful. Conclusions: Risk factors related to lifestyles such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity/overweight and smoking were the most representative risk factors. Despite the fact that most women present a negative physical examination, not performing a breast self-examination could contribute to an increase in morbidity from this disease in the study population.
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Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in the world, and it is the main cause of death and morbidity in Indian women. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a routine exam that can detect 40% of breast abnormalities and involves two key components that is looking and feeling. Women should learn what is normal for them, so that they can recognize any changes immediately. Aim & objectives: 1) To assess Knowledge and Practice about Breast Self-Examination. 2) To assess awareness about warning signs of Breast cancer. Methodology: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 55 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in the month of January 2021 in the Rural field practice area of Rural Health Centre (RHC) attached to the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Visakhapatnam. A predesigned, semi structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS Version 17. Chi square test was applied to find out the statistical associations if any between categorical variables. Results: In the present study only 1.8% of the ASHA workers were found to have good knowledge. 41.8% and 56.3% had average and poor knowledge respectively about BSE. Out of 55 ASHA workers, 39 (71%) have heard of BSE, 25.4% were practicing regularly and 14.5% of them were practicing correct method. Conclusion: The Knowledge and Practice of BSE among ASHA workers was observed to be inadequate which points out the need for training programs to educate them.
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OBJECTIVE- To study the knowledge of breast cancer, early detection methods and whomto consult after detecting abnormality among female tertiary health workers.METHOD- This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 70 female health workers age groupmore than 20 years carried out at various hospitals after taking consent.RESULT- Being majority of young married doctor respondents, below the age of 40 years(81.4%) study was conducted, almost all the respondents are aware of breast cancer, 69(98.5%). Majority of them got information from media (77.1%), followed by seminars(64.2%) and books (62.8%). Only 15.7% of respondents had a positive family history ofbreast cancer. Most participants were aware of BSE and thinks its useful tool (74.3%) butdoesn’t know about proper timing and method for BSE. They have been taught BSE (58.5%)out of which majority were taught by teachers (51.5%). 41.4% and 60% of respondents knewthat BSE should be done monthly and should start after age of 20 respectively. Onerespondent has discovered an abnormality. Respondents are relatively less aware about BSE28 (40%). 45 (64.3%) and 16 (22.9%) think that BSE should be done by a doctor and trainednurse respectively. The level of awareness of sonomammography was high amongrespondents- 43 (57.1%), but only 8 (11.43%) had undergone sonomammography, because of‘not of proper age’ 27 (38.57%).CONCLUSION- Practice and attitude of breast cancer screening should be promoted amonghealth workers and the general population
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Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and its early detection is critical to improve survival. Breast self-examination is a cheap, basic and non-intellectual method to detect breast cancer. Aims and objectives: 1To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breast self-examination2. To explain the various factors which affect the practice of BSE Material and Methods: The present study was carried out among 300 women residing in rural and urban areas of district Ambala using a self-designed pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In this study 127 (42.3%) of the participants had heard of BSE and 107 (35.7%) of the participants knew how to perform BSE. Overall, 47.7%, 30.3%, and 22% of the study participants had poor (<50%), medium (50–75%), and good knowledge (>75) on BSE, respectively. Educational qualification, knowing the three positions to perform BSE, knowing how often should BSE be done, taught how to do BSE, BSE is a useful tool to detect breast cancer were seen to be significantly associated with practice of BSE. Conclusion: This study elucidates that the knowledge as well as practice of BSE was significantly low in the population. This study provides insights into the various factors which affect the practice of BSE
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Introduction: A breast exam is a self-inspection of the breasts. During a breast exam, eyes used to see and hands to observe the appearance and feel the breast. Breast exams allow becoming more familiar with girls breasts. Materials and Methods: This study made use of an evaluative approach with one group pretest and post test design. The sample for the study sample comprised of 60 adolescent girls. A disproportionate purposive sampling technique was used to select 60 adolescent girls. The tool and STP were validated by 7 experts. Pre testing and reliability of the tool was established prior to pilot study. Pilot study was conducted among ten adolescent girls. this gave basis for the invigilator to conduct the actual study .the actual study was conducted among 60 adolescent girls .following the pretest, STP Was administered and post test was conducted seven days after the administration of STP. The obtained data was analyzed in terms of the objectives and hypothesis using descriptive and inferential statistics. Interpretation: The finding of the study showed that STP is an effective teaching strategy to increase knowledge of adolescent girls. Results: The finding of the study proved that adolescent girls lacked knowledge about breast self examination. The STP given by the investigator helped the adolescent girls to improve their knowledge and the finding showed that it is statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance.
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Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women. Breast self-examination (BSE) remains a feasible screening method in resource-poor settings, yet diagnosis in advanced stages remains common. We aimed to assess the awareness of breast cancer and the practice of BSE among women in a rural area of south India. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study in rural Ramanagara district, Karnataka, with 416 adult women who were interviewed using the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure. Results: Less than one in ten women knew that lump in the breast is a symptom of breast cancer. Majority 338 (81.2%) were not able to state even a single symptom of breast cancer and 365 (87.7%) not able to state even one risk factor of breast cancer. Majority 354 (85.1%) of the women in the study had never heard of BSE. None of the women in the study performed monthly BSE. Only 40 (9.6%) of the women actually performed BSE within the last 6 months. Women with higher education and those who reported a history of a lump in the breast in self or family were significantly more likely to state at least one symptom of breast cancer and were more likely to practice BSE. Conclusion: The rural women in this study had poor awareness regarding breast cancer and poor practice of BSE. Awareness of at least one symptom of breast cancer was associated with an 18 fold increase in the practice of BSE. This study has revealed an urgent need to focus on health awareness regarding breast cancer and BSE among rural women