STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE OF BREAST CANCER AND ITS EARLY DIAGNOSTICS IN FEMALE TERTIARY HEALTH WORKERS

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

The accuracy of Breastlight in detection of breast lesions.

AIM: Breastlight is a new product to improve breast health awareness of women. However, its accuracy in detection of breast lesions (BLs) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the Breastlight accuracy in detection of BLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2011 to September 2013, a total of 500 women referred to mammography unit in Yazd, Iran for screening were recruited to the study. The sensitivity and specificity of Breast light was measured with clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography and sonography. Sonographic and mammography examinations were performed according to breast density among women in two groups of younger (n = 105) and older (n = 395) than 30 years. RESULTS: The results have shown a statistically significant positive correlation between Breastlight, CBE, sonography, and mammography in detection of BLs. Breastlight significantly detected 60.3%, 35.8%, and 59% of lesions which were detected by mammography, CBE, and sonography, respectively. Its sensitivity varied significantly with breast density. Comparing the sensitivity of Breastlight among women younger and older than 30 years indicated that the Breastlight had a higher sensitivity for women older than 30 years. The greatest and lowest portion of positive predictive value occurred with CBE (94.7%) and mammography (91.1%). As well, its greatest and lowest portion of negative predictive value occurred with CBE (65.6%) and sonography (29.7%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the efficacy of Breastlight in detection of breast changes as domestic apparatus was appropriate. However, it is recommended further studies to evaluate the Breastlight efficacy and accuracy in detection of the BLs.

Opinion of nurses regarding breast cancer screening programs.

Aim: Found to be effective in its treatment. The increased incidence of breast cancer supports the implementation of breast cancer screening programs. The present study evaluates the opinion among nurses regarding breast cancer screening programs in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: The study population included 154 nurses practicing at different hospitals in United Arab Emirates (UAE), all nurses who participated in the breast cancer awareness programme organized by Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE. A self-administered, pretested, structured, close-ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical Analysis was performed using Predictive Analytic Software (PASW 17). Results: The participants' age ranged between 20 and 59 years. Fifty percent of the participants strongly agreed with the early detection of breast cancer by performing breast self examination. Thirty-nine percent were of the opinion that women aged 40 years and older should have a mammogram every year and continue to do so and 25.3% strongly felt that women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast examination as part of their periodic health examination by health professionals. 33.8% of the respondents strongly agree on providing information on the benefits and limitations of BSE to the female population. Twenty-six percent of the participants strongly agree that women at high risk should get magnetic resonance imaging and mammogram done every year. Conclusion: The present study indicates the need for providing workplace training programs thus equipping them with better knowledge and enhancing their service among the general population.

Breast cancer screening (breast self-examination, clinical breast exam, and mammography) in women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran.

Background : Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the most common cause of death in Iranian women aged 35-55 years. Breast cancer screening comprises breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. Objective:0 The study aimed to examine the performance of screening methods among women referring to health centers of Tabriz, Iran. Materials and methods : This was a descriptive-analytical research carried out on 400 women aged 20-50 years. The samples were chosen through random multistage sampling among health centers of Tabriz then active records of women. A questionnaire and observational checklist was used to elicit socio-demographic information and performance of women towards breast cancer screening methods. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and Fisher's exact test) were used to analyze the data. Results: Only 18.8% of women did breast self-examination, 19.1% had clinical breast examination and 3.3% had mammogram. Statistical test showed a significant relationship between performing BSE and educational level, employment, income, number of children, breastfeeding history, breastfeeding quality and family history of breast cancer. There was a significant correlation between performing CBE and history of breast tumor and also, between performing the mammography and family history of breast cancer and history of breast tumor (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings showed that the performance of breast cancer screening methods was not satisfactory. Performance in high risk women was very desirable than others. Implication for Practice: The presentation of imperative education about breast cancer screening methods through health staff especially in pregnancy, post-partum and even in pre marriage counseling periods seems necessary.

Detección del cáncer de mama en México: síntesis de los resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Reproductiva / Breast cancer examination in Mexico: summary of the results from the National Survey of Reproductive Health

OBJETIVO: Presentar una síntesis de los resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Reproductiva 2003 sobre la práctica de revisión y examen clínico de los senos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Por medio de estadísticas descriptivas y modelos de regresión múltiple se identificaron las principales características sociodemográficas y sitios de información sobre la práctica de revisión y el examen clínico de los senos en cerca de 20 000 mujeres, de 15 a 49 años, residentes en áreas rurales y urbanas del país. RESULTADOS: Las mujeres jóvenes con menor escolaridad y estrato socioeconómico, residentes de áreas urbanas, informaron un práctica significativamente baja tanto de la revisión como del examen clínico de los senos. La frecuencia de mujeres con cáncer de mama (CaMa) fue mayor en el área rural respecto de la urbana. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario establecer medidas para la estandarización y control de la calidad del examen clínico de los senos y coadyuvar a la prevención y control del CaMa en México.

OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the results of the National Survey of Reproductive Health 2003 regarding the practice of self and clinical breast examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main sociodemographic characteristics and site of information about self and clinical breast examination, in 20 000 women 15 to 49 years of age residing in rural and urban areas, were identified by simple statistics and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Younger women with lower scholarity and socioeconomical status residing in rural areas informed a statistically lower self and clinical breast examination. A higher frequency of breast cancer was found in rural vs. urban area. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for standardization and quality control for the clinical breast examination are needed to contribute in the prevention and control of breast cancer in Mexico.

Patterns of mammogram utilization and clinical profile of patients who underwent mammography at Cebu (Velez) General Hospital

BACKGROUND: Educating physicians on the proper utilization of mammography is vital to effective implementation of the breast cancer control program.OBJECTIVE: The general objective of this study was to determine the patterns of mammogram utilization and clinical profile of patients who underwent mammography at Cebu (Velez) General Hospital from January 1997 to February 2001.METHODS: Checklists embodying important breast health information, clinical data (age, sex, address, menstrual and obstetrical history, personal and family history of breast cancer, presenting breast signs and symptoms), referring physicians, and mammography reports over the last four years were reviewed.RESULTS: There were 468 mammograms done of which 279 (60 percent) were for diagnostics purposes and 189 (40 percent) for screening. The highest number of women who underwent screening mammography belonged to the 50-59 year age group. Gynecologists were the most frequent referring physicians for mammographic examination at 186 (40 percent) followed by 134 (29 percent) referrals from the general surgeons. There was an increasing trend of mammogram utilization noted over the past four years. Palpable mass in 172 (53 percent) patients was followed by mastodynia in 104 (33 percent) patients accounting for the most common indications for diagnostic mammography. Three hundred seventy-three (80 percent) mammogram results were negative and only 23 (5 percent) showed suspicious abnormalities warranting biopsy. Three hundred twenty-five (69.4 percent) of the mammograms showed extremely dense breasts which lowered sensitivity. There was a trend towards decreasing Grade IV radiographic density of the breast as the patients were older. Proper mammogram utilization at Cebu Velez General Hospital has increased over the last 4 years.

The Importance of Clinical Breast Examination for Cancer Detection in Asymptomatic Women / 한국유방암학회지

Of 489 asymptomatic women who were referred to our institute from other screening clinics, 46 were eventually proven to be breast cancer patients, and this number equated to 8.1% of the 565 breast cancer patients treated in our institute during the period of January 1997 to December 1998. Among the 46 cancer patients of the initial 489 asymptomatic women, twenty-five(54.35%) were detected by mammogram alone, six(13.04%) by clinical breast examination(CBE) alone, and the remaining 15(32.61%) by both mammogram and CBE. In context with age, the mammographic sensitivity for cancer detection was 100% for women aged over 60, 91% for 50s, 78.9% for 40s, and 75% for 30s, and inversely correlated with the patient's age. Among the 25 cancers detected by mammogram alone, 18(72%) belonged to DCIS or stage|. In contrast, four(66.7%) of six cancers detected by CBE alone and nine(60%) of 15 cancers by both CBE and mammography were included in stage II a or II b. However, the total incidence of early cancers(stage 0 and I) was significantly higher in the screening group than in the symptomatic group(P<0.01). These results suggest that the role of mammography is important in the detection of cancers in their earlier stage and CBE is helpful in reducing false negative results in breast cancer screening. In conclusion, film mammography is the best tool for the detection of microcalcification and is useful for the detection of earlier lesions, but is not perfect for the detection of breast cancer particularly in young women. A careful CBE is an essential part of breast screening in order to reduce false-negative results.

Clinical breast examination for screening of asymptomatic women: the importance of clinical breast examination for breast cancer detection

Of 489 asymptomatic women who were referred to our institute from other screening clinics, 46 were eventually proven to be breast cancer patients, and this number equated to 8.1% of the 565 breast cancer patients treated in our institute during the period of January 1997 to December 1998. Among the 46 cancer patients of the initial 489 asymptomatic women, twenty-five (54.35%) were detected by mammogram alone, six (13.04%) by clinical breast examination (CBE) alone, and the remaining 15 (32.61%) by both mammogram and CBE. In context with age, the mammographic sensitivity for cancer detection was 100% for women aged over 60, 91% for 50s, 78.9% for 40s, and 75% for 30s, and inversely correlated with the patient's age. Among the 25 cancers detected by mammogram alone, 18 (72%) belonged to DCIS or stage I. In contrast, four (66.7%) of six cancers detected by CBE alone and nine (60%) of 15 cancers by both CBE and mammography were included in stage IIa or IIb. However, the total incidence of early cancers (stages 0 and I) was significantly higher in the screening group than in the symptomatic group (p < 0.01). These results suggest that the role of mammography is important in the detection of cancers in their earlier stage and CBE is helpful in reducing false negative results in breast cancer screening. In conclusion, film mammography is the best tool for the detection of microcalcification and is useful for the detection of earlier lesions, but is not perfect for the detection of breast cancer particularly in young women. A careful CBE is an essential part of breast screening in order to reduce false-negative results.