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http://dx.doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2012.13.1.123

Awareness and Practice of Breast Self-examination among Korean Women: Results from a Nationwide Survey  

Yoo, Bit-Na (National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center)
Choi, Kui-Son (National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center)
Jung, Kyu-Won (National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center)
Jun, Jae-Kwan (National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center)
Publication Information
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention / v.13, no.1, 2012 , pp. 123-125 More about this Journal
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the current status of the awareness and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among Korean women. Materials and Methods: The study population was derived from the 2007 Korea National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), an annual cross-sectional survey that uses a nationally representative random sample to investigate cancer-screening rates and related factors. A total of 1,255 Korean women aged ${\geq}30$ years participated in this study. Results: Of all participants, 88.0% reported that they had heard of BSE. The most common source of information on BSE was the media such as TV, radio and newspapers (87.0%). Recommendations from medical staff reached only 17.2%. The overall proportions of regular and irregular BSE were 13.2% and 16.1%, respectively. The main reason for not performing BSE was lack of knowledge about how to conduct the exam (31.7%). Conclusion: Despite a high level of awareness about BSE, only a small minority of women examine their breasts regularly in Korea.
Keywords
Breast neoplasms; breast self-examination; awareness and practice; Korea;
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