Knowledge and practices of females about breast cancer and breast self examination in Al-Mansur Institute of Medical Technology /Baghdad/ Iraq

Ahmed Mohammed Ali, Shatha

	Knowledge and practices of females about breast cancer and breast self examination in Al-Mansur Institute of Medical Technology /Baghdad/ Iraq
Al-Mustansiriyah Journal of Science
Article 1, Volume 23, Issue 3, 2012, Pages 11-20
Author
Shatha Ahmed Mohammed Ali
Abstract
A Cross sectional and descriptive study was conducted with self administered questionnaire on knowledge and practices of females toward breast cancer and breast self examination, 200 females were selected as an improbability samples for data instrument at Al /Mansur Medical Institute from October 2010 to January 2011. The result of the study indicated that majority of female had good knowledge about breast cancer and (BSE) but with bad practice. Television and radio were the commonest first source of information on breast cancer and (BSE) mentioned by the respondents. The knowledge of the respondents about breast cancer was assessed and scored. About (50%) of females had good knowledge about the cause of breast cancer among the respondents. Less than half of respondents (42%) had good knowledge of symptoms of breast cancer. (78%) of respondents know well about breast self examination. Most respondents know what to look for during breast self examination. Only (16.5%) and (28%) of respondents know that during breast self examination it is necessary to check the change in nipple and color of skin. (33%) respondents practices (BSE) well. Even though (67%) of them not practices (BSE). This study demonstrated that majority of respondents were aware of breast cancer as a disease entity, but their practice toward breast self examination was poor. Accordingly, relevant educational programs to improve the practices of females regarding (BSE) are needed and qualitative researches to recognize the factors effective in the improvement knowledge and practices of beast cancer screening methods among these females are necessary.

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