Awareness of Breast Cancer and breast self-examination among Female Nursing Students at Faculty of Nursing, Minia University (original) (raw)

Background:-Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and worldwide it is considered the leading cause of cancer death in females, accounting for 23% (1.38 million) of the total new cancer cases and 14% (458,400) of the total cancer deaths in 2008. Approximately half of the breast cancer cases and 60% of the deaths are estimated to take place in developing countries. Globally, it claims the lives of 508,000 women per year. Since risk reduction strategies cannot eliminate the majority of breast cancers, early detection remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. Health education and communication have been found critical to promote breast cancer prevention and screening strategies. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and its incidence is increasing in many countries. Nursing students are the future nurses who will have the opportunity to encourage and influence women to be breast aware. Breast-self-examination is a simple and easy way to help women to detect any changes in their breasts. Aim of the study:- To assess Knowledge of female Nursing students about risk factors for breast cancer, early warning signs, methods of early detection, knowledge about Breast Self-Examination and different lines of treatment. Methodology: A Cross sectional study was conducted on the period from September to December 2014, to investigate the research problem. Convince study sample of 80 female Nursing students at faculty of Nursing, Minia University. a self-administered assessment questionnaire used for data collection assessing knowledge, a health beliefs assessment rating scale and a breast self- examination observation checklist. The knowledge of breast cancer and competency in performing breast self-examination were assessed before and after the awareness lectures using a set of questionnaires designed for the study. The data showed that the participants? knowledge of breast cancer increased significantly after the awareness lectures. They felt confident to teach and they were willing to pass the information of breast cancer and breast self-examination to their relatives, friends and colleagues. Based on the findings of the study, researchers believe that nursing students need to provide lectures and awareness sessions on a regular basis about breast cancer and breast self-examination in order to increase their knowledge, and enhance their confidence and skills to teach women about breast cancer and its early detection.