Breast Cancer Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Female University Students, Gaza

Abstract

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.

Breast Self-Examination Knowledge and its Determinants among Female Students at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…According to this study, 25% of the respondents mentioned that BSE should be performed every month, while 60 (14.7%) of the respondents indicated that BSE should be performed after menstruation. On the other hand, a study from the State of Palestine reported that almost 70% of the participants knew the right time to conduct BSE, which is a few days after menstruation [ 33 ]. About 56% of students in this study acknowledged BSE as a form of BC screening.…”

Perceptions and knowledge of breast cancer and breast self-examination among young adult women in southwest Ethiopia: Application of the health belief model

“…BSE is still recommended as a general method for increasing breast health awareness, which makes it easier for women to detect any changes that may arise [ 8 , 16 , 17 ]. Despite the benefits, many women in many countries do not perform regular self-breast checks [ 8 , 13 , 15 , 18 ].…”

“…Despite the benefits, many women in many countries do not perform regular self-breast checks [ 8 , 13 , 15 , 18 ]. Many women cited a lack of competence as the primary reason for not doing BSE [ 16 , 17 , 19 ]. For younger women, BSE education and adherence are a doorway to health-promoting behaviors, laying the groundwork for eventual adherence to clinical breast examination and mammography screening, if available [ 13 , 15 ].…”

“…Women can be empowered by BSE and other health practices that allow them to take control and responsibility for their own health [13,15]. BSE is still recommended as a general method for increasing breast health awareness, which makes it easier for women to detect any changes that may arise [8,16,17]. Despite the benefits, many women in many countries do not perform regular self-breast checks [8,13,15,18].…”

Knowledge and Practice of Breast Cancer and Its Screening Methods among Girls Attending an Engineering College in Ahmednagar

“…Female students were aware of breast cancer but had poor knowledge about signs and symptoms of breast cancer, whereas there was a lower rate of knowledge about performing breast self-examination [14].The Egypt study reported a moderate level of knowledge of breast cancer and its screening methods [15]. Despite having knowledge of various aspects of breast cancer such as risk factors, warning signs, and symptoms, they had little knowledge of screening methods and practised lower BSE [16].…”