Breast Cancer Prevention: The Key Role of Population Screening, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and Technological Tools. Survey of Italian Women

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common tumor among women worldwide and still remains the leading cause of death in women in Italy. Although survival from this pathology has increased, this disease and its treatment can have lasting or delayed effects that can greatly affect a woman's quality of life. Primary and secondary prevention are currently the best strategies to combat this cancer: improved lifestyle, early adherence to screening, Breast Self-Examination (BSE), and even now the use of technology, have become among the most important tools to ensure increasingly early diagnosis of this disease, which is a major cause of suffering and premature mortality in women. Indeed, early diagnosis of the disease can lead to a good prognosis and a high survival rate. This study investigates the attitude of Italian women to perform clinical checkups aimed at cancer prevention, particularly adherence to free screening programs offered by the National Health Service (NHS) for women in the 50–69 age group. The knowledge, use and emotional approach toward BSE as a screening tool and the use of dedicated apps for this purpose are also investigated. Low adherence to screening programs, lack of BSE practice, and nonuse of dedicated apps are just some of the results observed in this study. Therefore, it becomes essential to spread the culture of prevention, cancer awareness and the importance of screening throughout life.

Exploring the Landscape of Breast Cancer Prevention among Chinese Residents in Italy: An In-Depth Analysis of Screening Adherence, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Practices, the Role of Technological Tools, and Misconceptions Surrounding Risk Factors and Symptoms

“…In comparing the findings of our current study with those presented in [ 32 ], which surveyed the broader Italian population, notable differences emerge, particularly in the area of health screening participation. Our analysis reveals that the rate of participation in health screenings among Chinese women residing in Italy is significantly lower than that observed in the general Italian population.…”

“…From April 2023 to October 2023, we conducted a survey targeting Chinese women residing in Italy. In this study, we employed the same survey instrument that was previously utilized in our research detailed in [ 32 ], which examined the broader Italian population. Out of the individuals approached, 1144 chose to participate.…”

“…While relying solely on self-examination might not suffice in a time where advanced tools like mammography and breast ultrasounds can pinpoint minute tumors, consistent and accurate BSE can indeed lower the chances of detecting late-stage breast cancer. Furthermore, this self-check is both practical and economical, and women are encouraged to adopt it from their early twenties [ 32 ]. Educating women about the benefits of BSE is crucial, as it is the easiest and the most straightforward method by which to detect breast cancer at an early stage [ 32 , 33 ].…”

“…Furthermore, this self-check is both practical and economical, and women are encouraged to adopt it from their early twenties [ 32 ]. Educating women about the benefits of BSE is crucial, as it is the easiest and the most straightforward method by which to detect breast cancer at an early stage [ 32 , 33 ]. Furthermore, with the advancement of technology, digital applications and tools propelling BSE and cancer awareness are becoming increasingly relevant.…”

Exploring the Landscape of Breast Cancer Prevention among Chinese Residents in Italy: An In-Depth Analysis of Screening Adherence, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Practices, the Role of Technological Tools, and Misconceptions Surrounding Risk Factors and Symptoms

“…While relying solely on selfexamination might not suffice in a time where advanced tools like mammography and breast ultrasounds can pinpoint minute tumors, consistent and accurate BSE can indeed lower the chances of detecting late-stage breast cancer. Furthermore, this self-check is both practical and economical, and women are encouraged to adopt it from their early twenties [32]. Educating women about the benefits of BSE is crucial, as it is the easiest and the most straightforward method by which to detect breast cancer at an early stage [32,33].…”