• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2006

The breast cancer has the highest occurrence rate among the female cancers, and as the living style changes, the occurrence is increasing gradually. For the breast cancer test among women, who comprises up to 50% of the total population, the mammography is mainly used as the screening test, and the accuracy control is the most important aspect of the testing. Therefore this research divided the northern part of Kyeongsangbuk-do into 4 regions and investigated the accordance ratio of examination field and light examination field, the total focus using the optical density and compression rate, and the overall maintenance of mammography within the regions. The equipments of 11 hospitals were investigated, and the 7 hospitals passed the standard level of the accordance ratio of examination field. 6 hospitals passed the standard optical density, and 7 hospitals had the passing performance in the compression rate. Fibers, group of specks, and masses within the Mammographic Accreditation Phantom scored 10, being within the standard range. However, only 3 hospitals were equipped with private development processor and illumination. The result reflects the fact that the image quality of breast is not correctly being maintained. Moreover, only 27.27% satisfied all the three categories of compression fitting, accordance ratio of examination field, and phantom image evaluation at the same time. The accuracy control must be maintained more precisely for the accurate diagnosis of breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.927-932
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• 2015

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are the most common causes of cancer mortality among women in India, but actually they are largely preventable diseases. Although early detection is the only way to reduce morbidity and mortality, there are limited data on breast and cervical cancer knowledge, safe practices and attitudes of teachers in India. The purpose of this study is to assess the level of awareness and impact of awareness programs in adoption of safe practices in prevention and early detection. Materials and Methods: This assessment was part of a pink chain campaign on cancer awareness. During cancer awareness events in 2011 at various women colleges in different parts in India, a pre-test related to cervical cancer and breast cancer was followed by an awareness program. Post-tests using the same questionnaire were conducted at the end of the interactive session, at 6 months and 1 year. Results: A total of 156 out of 182 teachers participated in the study (overall response rate was 85.7 %). Mean age of the study population was 42.4 years (range- 28-59 yrs). There was a significant increase in level of knowledge regarding cervical and breast cancer at 6 months and this was sustained at 1 year. Adoption of breast self examination (BSE) was significantly more frequent in comparison to CBE, mammography and the Pap test. Magazines and newspapers were sources for knowledge regarding screening tests for breast cancer in more than 60% of teachers where as more than 75% were educated by doctors regarding the Pap test. Post awareness at 6 months and 1 year, there was a significant change in alcohol and smoking habits. Major reasons for not doing screening test were found to be ignorance (50%), lethargic attitude (44.8%) and lack of time (34.6%). Conclusions: Level of knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and screening methods was high as compared to cervical cancer. There was a significant increase in level of knowledge regarding cervical and breast cancer at 6 months and this was sustained at 1 year. Adoption of BSE was significantly greater in comparison to CBE, mammography and the Pap test. To inculcate safe practices in lifestyle of people, awareness programmes such as pink chain campaign should be conducted more widely and frequently.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 2016

In this study, standard model of medical radiation dosage quality control system will be suggested and the useful of this system in clinical field will be reviewed. Radiation dosage information of modalities are gathered from digital imaging and communications in medicine(DICOM) standard data(such as DICOM dose SR and DICOM header) and stored in database. One CT scan, two digital radiography modalities and two mammography modalities in one health promotion center in Seoul are used to derive clinical data for one month. After 1 months research with 703 CT scans, the study shows CT $357.9mGy{\cdot}cm$ in abdomen and pelvic CT, $572.4mGy{\cdot}cm$ in brain without CT, $55.9mGy{\cdot}cm$ in calcium score/heart CT, screening CT at $54mGy{\cdot}cm$ in chest screening CT(low dose screening CT scan), $284.99mGy{\cdot}cm$ in C-spine CT and $341.85mGy{\cdot}cm$ in L-spine CT as health promotion center reference level of each exam. And with 1955 digital radiography cases, it shows $274.0mGy{\cdot}cm2$ and for mammography 6.09 mGy is shown based on 536 cases. The use of medical radiation shall comply with the principles of justification and optimization. This quality management of medical radiation exposure must be performed in order to follow the principle. And the procedure to reduce the radiation exposure of patients and staff can be achieved through this. The results of this study can be applied as a useful tool to perform the quality control of medical radiation exposure.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.2059-2065
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• 2013

This goal of this research was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) for breast cancer in the Republic of Korea from a government expenditure perspective. In 2002-2003 (baseline), a total of 8,724,860 women aged 40 years or over were invited to attend breast cancer screening by the NCSP. Those who attended were identified using the NCSP database, and women were divided into two groups, women who attended screening at baseline (screened group) and those who did not (non-screened group). Breast cancer diagnosis in both groups at baseline, and during 5-year follow-up was identified using the Korean Central Cancer Registry. The effectiveness of the NCSP for breast cancer was estimated by comparing 5-year survival and life years saved (LYS) between the screened and the unscreened groups, measured using mortality data from the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation and the National Health Statistical Office. Direct screening costs, indirect screening costs, and productivity costs were considered in different combinations in the model. When all three of these costs were considered together, the incremental cost to save one life year of a breast cancer patient was 42,305,000 Korean Won (KW) (1 USD=1,088 KW) for the screened group compared to the non-screened group. In sensitivity analyses, reducing the false-positive rate of the screening program by half was the most cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, ICER=30,110,852 KW/LYS) strategy. When the upper age limit for screening was set at 70 years, it became more cost-effective (ICER=39,641,823 KW/LYS) than when no upper age limit was set. The NCSP for breast cancer in Korea seems to be accepted as cost-effective as ICER estimates were around the Gross Domestic Product. However, cost-effectiveness could be further improved by increasing the sensitivity of breast cancer screening and by setting appropriate age limits.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.115-128
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• 2001

This study was carried out to offer the basic data for more qualitative lives of the adulthood with obesity through their health maintenance and control. So, the researcher reviewed and analyzed the health problems of the subjects according to sex, age, and positive rate on the screening tests. The subjects were 91 obese persons in K university hospital in Seoul from December 1, 2000 to January 31, 2001. A Questionnaire developed by researcher to obtain subject's general characteristics, main symptoms, medical examination, diagnosed disease was used as the tool for the study. The results of this study are as follows: 1. For the distribution of diagnosis in subjects, liver disease was most frequent and hypertension was second. 2 The most common complaints were indigestion in the digestive system, throat pain in the respiratory system, dyspnea in cardiovascular system, thirsty in endocrine system, frequent urine in the urinary system, vertigo in the hematologic system. 3. The main symptoms according to sex were for females, a statistically significant higher rate of complaints in the digestive system, musculoskeletal system as compared to males. 4. The main symptoms according to age were that in the fourth decade there were higher rate of complaints in the musculoskeletal system. 5. In screening tests according to sex, males showed a higher positive rate for Alk-Phosphatase and females, in FBS, urine-micro, VDRL. 6. In screening tests according to age, higher positive rates of BP, Chest X-ray, mammography, ESR, CRP were seen in the fourth decades. 7. Obesity was positively related to cardiovascular system, endocrine system, urinary system, musculoskeletal system, mental and nervous system in main symptoms. 8. Obesity was positively related to BP, Sonography, FBS, SGOT, SGPT in screening tests.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.18
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• pp.8163-8171
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the second most cause of death (1.38 million, 10.9% of all cancer) worldwide after lung cancer. In present study, we assess the knowledge, level of awareness of risk factors and screening practices especially breast self examination (BSE) among women, considering the non-feasibility of diagnostic tools such as mammography for breast screening techniques of breast cancer in the holy city Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional population based survey was conducted. The investigation tool adopted was self administrated questionnaire format. Data were analysed using SPSS 20 version and Chi square test to determine significant association between various education groups with awareness and knowledge, analysis of variance was applied in order to establish significance. Results: The attitude of participants in this study, among 560 women 500 (89%) responded (age group 18-65 years), 53.8% were married. The knowledge about BSE was very low (16%) and out of them 15.6% were practised BSE only once in life time. study shown that prominent age at which women achieve their parity was 20 yrs, among 500 participants 224 women have achieved their parity from age 18 to 30 yrs. Very well known awareness about risk factors of breast cancer were alcohol (64.6%), smoking (64%) and least known awareness risk factors were early menarche (17.2%) and use of red meat (23%). The recovery factors of breast cancer cases were doctors support (95%) and family support (94.5%) as most familiar responses of the holy city Varanasi. Conclusions: The study revealed that the awareness about risk factors and practised of BSE among women in Varanasi is extremely low in comparison with other cities and countries as well (Delhi, Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh, Turkey and Nigeria). However, doctors and health workers may promote the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.3319-3322
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• 2014

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Jamaican women. This study assessed the clinicopathologic features of cases in a hospital-based specialist clinic in Kingston, Jamaica. A retrospective chart review was performed for the 2-year study period and relevant clinical and surgico-pathologic data were recorded and analyzed. Median age of the 121 breast cancer patients was 52 years (range 22-84, IQR 20) and there was 1 case of male breast cancer. Most patients (65%) were referred from the surgical service after definitive breast cancer surgery, 20% were referred for pre-operative systemic therapy, and 15% had a diagnosis of metastatic disease. The surgico-pathologic group comprised 78 women who were referred for adjuvant therapy. The majority had presented with a palpable breast lump (91%), with median tumour size 3.5cm (range 0.4-13, IQR 4). Most tumours were node positive (56%). Approximately one-third of patients had stage III disease (33%). Most women presented with large palpable tumours and had lymph node involvement confirmed on surgicopathological evaluation, indicative of limited early breast cancer detection. A national screening mammography programme is recommended for detection of earlier lesions. Pre-operative systemic therapy should be considered as an option for eligible patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.3281-3288
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• 2013

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Despite being associated with high morbidity and mortality, breast cancer is a disease that can be diagnosed and treated early. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 321 women, data were collected by Questionnaire, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Form and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Chisquared tests and logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. Results: It was found that only 2.2% of women have high and very high risk levels of breast cancer risk. There is a positive correlation between early diagnosis techniques and Health Belief Model Sub-Dimension scores which are sensibility, health motivation, BSE (Breast self-examination) self-efficient perception and negative correlation between mammography barrier score and BSE barrier score (p 0.05). When factors for not having BSE were examined, it was determined that the women who do not have information about breast cancer and the women who smoke have a higher risk of not having BSE. Conclusions: It is important to determine health beliefs and breast cancer risk levels of women to increase the frequency of early diagnosis. Women's health beliefs are thought to be a good guide for planning health education programs for nurses working in this area.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.139-155
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• 1999

This study was performed to assess the practice behavior and the need for cancer screening in order to design the community projects in Suwon city. A random sample of urban married women was surveyed on knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast and cervical cancer screening by telephone from April 28th to May 19th. Four hundred two married women completed the questionnaire, and the results were as follows: 1. Urban women were not generally knowledgeable about symptoms, signs and etiology of breast and cervical cancer. Only 11.4% of respondents were fully aware of those subjects. 2. Two hundred eighty six repondents(71.1%) reported having had a mammogram or Pap smear, while 116 respondents(28.9%) reported never having had a mammogram nor Pap smear. 3. The rate of mammogram increased by age and income status significantly(p〈0.05). 4. The majority(73.1%) of women who had a mammogram reported that it was part of a routine physical examination and another 24.3% of the women reported that they had a mammogram for specific breast problems. Meanwhile, the reasons reported for never having a mammogram were as follows; never had any problems (72.1%), no chance(11.2%), no time(4.3%). 5. The main factors associated with adherence to mammography screening guidelines was monthly income status. 6. The majority(80.6%) of women who had a Pap smear reported that it was part of a routine physical examination and another 16.0% of the women reported that it was part of a routine physical examination and another 16.0% of the women reported that they had a Pap smear for specific uterus problems. Meanwhile, the reasons reported for never having a Pap smear were: never had any problems(69.0%) and no chance(11.5%) 7. Women with higher income status were most likely to have a Pap smear regularly (p〈0.01), and the rate of Pap smear increased by education level significantly(p〈0.05). The main factors associated with adherence to Pap smear screening guidelines were education level and monthly income status, similar to those of mammograph. These findings indicate that married women in Suwon city show a lower rate of breast and cervical cancer screening practice than that of developed countries. The rate of mammograph was especially low. It is, therefore, suggested that cost, environmental factors, process, and information for screening tests be considered more programmatically before designing a community project for breast and cervical cancer screening.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10157-10164
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the State of Qatar. Due to low participation in breast cancer screening (BCS) activities, women in Qatar are often diagnosed with breast cancer at advanced stages of the disease. Findings indicate that low participation rates in BCS activities are significantly related to women's low level of awareness of breast cancer screening. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the factors that influence Qatari women's awareness of breast cancer and its screening activities: and (2) to find ways to effectively promote breast cancer screening activities among Arabic speaking women in Qatar. Materials and Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional quantitative survey of 1,063 (87.5% response rate) female Qatari citizens and non-Qatari Arabic-speaking residents, 35 years of age or older, was conducted in Qatar from March 2011 to July 2011. Outcome measures included participant awareness levels of the most recent national recommended guidelines of BCS, participation rates in BCS activities, and factors related to awareness of BCS activities. Results: While most participants (90.7%) were aware of breast cancer, less than half had awareness of BCS practices (28.9% were aware of breast self-examination and 41.8% of clinical breast exams, while 26.4% knew that mammography was recommended by national screening guidelines. Only 7.6% had knowledge of all three BCS activities). Regarding BCS practice, less than one-third practiced BCS appropriately (13.9% of participants performed breast self-examination (BSE) monthly, 31.3% had a clinical breast exam (CBE) once a year or once every two years, and 26.9% of women 40 years of age or older had a mammogram once every year or two years). Awareness of BCS was significantly related to BCS practice, education level, and receipt of information about breast cancer and/or BCS from a variety of sources, particularly doctors and the media. Conclusions: The low levels of participation rates in BCS among Arab women in this study indicate a strong need to increase awareness of the importance of breast cancer screening in Qatari women. Without this awareness, compliance with the most recent breast cancer screening recommendations in Qatar will remain low. An increased effort to implement mass media and public health campaigns regarding the impact of breast cancer on women's health and the benefits of early detection of breast cancer must be coupled with an enhanced participation of health care providers in delivering this message to Qatar population.