• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.2501-2505
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• 2015

Purpose: The present study was carried out to measure knowledge level and behavior of family health personnel (FHP) in Izmir on early diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers. Materials and Methods: The study population of this cross-sectional study was not selected. A questionnaire was applied to all FHP to measure knowledge level and behavior about cancer. The participation rate was 88%. Breast examination, mammography analysis, Papanicolaou smear applications were determined as dependent variables, and knowledge level about breast and cervical cancer, age, professional time as FHP as independent variables. Data were evaluated using definitive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression tests in SPSS software package for Windows 15.0. Results: A total of 970 family health personnel participated in the research. The age range was 20-45 years (82.4%). Mean age was $37.9{\pm}7.4$. Response rate was 87.3%. Of the participants, 88.4% performed breast self-examination. Rate of performing mammography at least once was 24.1%. Rate of performing Pap-smear examination at least once was 61.0%. In logistic regression analyses, it was determined that people with knowledge on breast and cervical cancer were those performing breast self-examination, mammography and Pap-smear examinations (p<0.05. Conclusions: It is essential that the knowledge, behavior and manners of health providers on early diagnosis for cancer increases awareness in the general population and provides information on execution ofthe most effective methods for generating a healthy society.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권9호
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• pp.3981-3990
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Jordan. Current efforts are focused on annual campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about breast cancer and encouraging women to conduct mammogram screening. In the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, there is a need to evaluate current mammography screening uptake and its predictors, assess women's knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer and screening mammograms and to identify barriers to this preventive service. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in six governorates in Jordan through face-to-face interviews on a random sample of women aged 40 to 69 years. Results: A total of 507 participants with mean age of $46.8{\pm}7.8$ years were interviewed. There was low participation rate in early detection of breast cancer practices. Breast self-examination, doctor examination and periodic mammography screening were reported by 34.9%, 16.8% and 8.6% of study participants, respectively. Additionally 3.8% underwent breast cancer screening at least once but not periodically, while 87.6% had never undergone mammography screening. Reported reasons for conducting the screening were: perceived benefit (50%); family history of breast cancer (23.1%); perceived severity (21.2%); and advice from friend or family member (5.8%). City residents have shown higher probability of undergoing mammogram than those who live in towns or villages. Results revealed negative perceptions and limited knowledge of study participants on breast cancer and breast cancer screening. The most commonly reported barriers for women who never underwent screening were: fear of results (63.8%); no support from surrounding environment (59.7); cost of the test (53.4%); and religious belief, i.e. Qadaa Wa Qadar (51.1%). Conclusions: In the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, the uptake of this preventive service is very low. It is essential for the country of Jordan to work on applying regular systematic mammography screening for breast cancer. Additionally, there is a need for improvement in the current health promotion programmes targeting breast cancer screening. Other areas that could be targeted in future initiatives in this field include access to screening in rural areas and removal of current barriers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권24호
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• pp.10749-10755
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• 2015

Background: In both developed and developing countries; breast cancer is the major cancer observed in women. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of nursing and mammographic intervention on women with breast cancer between the ages of 50 and 70. Materials and Methods: A training program, which was quasi-experimental and had a pretest-protest design, was applied in Kemalpaaa district of Izmir, between October 2008 and August 2010. The target population was women between the ages of 50 and 70, who were registered in the list of 3rd Family Medicine Unit in Izmir's Kemalpasa metropolis. A total of 106 women who were in conformity with the study criteria participated in the study. Research data were collected through home visits that included face-to-face interviews; Ministry of Health education material and video films were modified and used for the training. Data analysis was performed through 82 women who were paired at the first and the second phase. Results: It was observed that although the rate of breast self examination significantly increased after the training (p=0.022), the rate of clinical breast examination (p=0.122) and mammographic screening (p=0.523) did not. Differences in the stages of change after training were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001) and the group showed a progression in the stages of change in general (46.3%). In women mean scores of breast cancer awareness (p<0.000), severity (p<0.000), health motivation (p<0.000) and perception of the benefits of mammography (p<0.000) increased significantly and mean score of perception of mammography barriers decreased significantly (p<0.000) after the training. Conclusions: After the training on breast cancer and mammography it was determined that nursing interventions provided positive progression of stages of change of women, affected health beliefs positively and significantly increased BSE incidences. However, it did not have a significant effect on CBE and mammographic screening.

• 여성건강간호학회지
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.54-63
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was done to develop an integrated breast health program for prevention and early detection of breast cancer, integrating primary and secondary prevention factors using cognitive-behavioral strategies. Method: This methodological study conducted as follows; Selection of components for the program through a literature review, survey to identify women's knowledge and risk perception of breast cancer and diet, and building prototype for the program using discussion based on findings. Using structured questionnaires, interviews were done with 130 women aged 40-59 who lived in a rural area. Result: Primary prevention (diet pattern, knowledge about breast cancer, and risk perception) and secondary prevention (early detection behaviors) factors were identified through the literature review. The survey showed that women lack knowledge and awareness about the risks of breast cancer, and have a low compliance rate for early detection behavior. Based on these results, a program was developed utilizing counseling and models to provide education and practice related to diet, breast cancer, and early detection behaviors. Conclusion: Use of this integrated and tailored breast health program with women at risk will contribute to better breast health, but further study is needed to verify the effects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.367-370
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• 2012

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide In Iran, it ranks first among cancers diagnosed in women and is the fifth most common cause of death. The aim of this study was to present the mortality trends from breast cancer for Iranian women during a period of almost a decade, in order to provide update information regarding the likely future. Methods: We analyzed National death Statistic reported by the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education from 1995 to 2004 to generate annual mortality rates/100,000, overall, by age group (<15, 15-49 and ${\geq}50$ years of age) and age standardized rate (ASR). Results: The age standardized mortality rate of breast cancer increased dramatically during these years from 1.40 to 3.52 per 100,000 and its mortality was increasing 151.4% for Iranian women, although it seemed that the rate leveled off from 2002 to 2004. Moreover the increasing rate was higher for those aged between 15-49 compared to age >50 years old. Conclusion: There is an increasing trend for breast cancer mortality in Iran. Thus, health education programs to rectify the lack of women awareness about breast cancer signs and effective screening are urgently needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권10호
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• pp.4615-4621
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• 2016

Background: There has not been a general estimation about survival rates of breast cancer cases in Iran. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess survival using a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: International credible databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Science direct and Google Scholar and Iranian databases such as Magiran, Irandoc and SID, from 1997 to 2015 were searched. All articles covering survival rate of breast cancer were entered into the study without any limits. Quality assessment of the articles and data extraction were performed by two researchers using the modified STROBE checklist, which includes 12 questions. Articles with scores greater than 8 were included in the analysis. A limitation of this meta-analysis was different methods for presenting of results in the papers surveyed. Results: A total of 21 articles with a sample of 12,195 people were analyzed. The one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year survival rates of breast cancer in Iran were estimated to be 95.8% (94.6-97.0), 82.4% (79.0-85.8), 69.5% (64.5-74.5), 58.1% (39.6-76.6), respectively. The most important factors affecting survival of breast cancer were age, number of lymph nodes involved, size of the tumor and the stage of the disease. Conclusion: The five- and ten- year survival rates in Iran are lower than in developed countries. Conducting breast cancer screening plan support (including regular clinical examination, mammography), public training and raising awareness should be helpful in facilitating early diagnosis and increasing survival rates for Iranian women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.2229-2233
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the world. Early detection is necessary to improve outcomes and decrease related costs. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive power of health locus of control as a modifying factor in the Health Belief Model (HBM) for prediction of breast self-examination. Materials and Methods: In this cross- sectional study, 400 women selected through the convenience sampling from health centers. Data were collected using part of the Champion's HBM scale (CHBMS), the Health Locus of Control Scale and a self administered questionnaire. For data analysis by SPSS the independent T test, Chi square test, logistic and linear regression modes were appliedl. Results: The results showed that 10.9% of the participants reported performing BSE regularly. Health locus of control did not act as a predictor of BSE as a modifying factor. In this study, perceived self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of BSE performance (Exp (B) =1.863) with direct effect, while awareness had direct and indirect influence. Conclusions: For increasing BSE, improvement of self-efficacy especially in young women and increasing knowledge about cancer is necessary.

• 여성건강간호학회지
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.474-483
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• 2011

Purpose: To examine the details of lymphedema, upper limb morbidity, and its self management in women after breast cancer treatment. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, 81 women were recruited from a university hospital. Lymphedema was detected by a nurse as a 2-cm difference between arm circumferences at 6 different points on the arm. Degrees of pain, stiffness, and numbness were scored using a drawing of upper limb on a 0~10 point scale. Aggravating conditions and self-management for lymphedema were also recorded. Results: The mean age of the participants was 52.5 years; the average time since breast surgery was 29.7 months. Histories of modified radical mastectomy (55%) and lymph node dissection (81%) were noted. Lymphedema was found in 59% of women, then pain and stiffness were prevalent most at upper arm while numbness was apparentat fingers, and the symptom distress scores ranged 3.9~6.7. Women experienced aggravated arm swelling after routine housework with greatly varied duration. Self-management was conservative with a wide range of times for the relief of symptoms. Conclusion: Lymphedema education for women with breast cancer should be incorporated into the oncologic nursing care system to prevent its occurrence and arm morbidity. Risk reduction guidelines, individually tailored self-care strategies, and self-awareness for early detection need to be refined in clinical nursing practices.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권8호
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• pp.3879-3887
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• 2012

Background: Development of effective educational strategies should accompany increases in public awareness and the availability of genetic testing for breast cancer (BC). These educational strategies should be designed to fulfill the knowledge gap while considering factors that influence women's interest in order to facilitate decision making. Objective: To determine the possible correlates of Saudi women's interest in BC genes testing including socio-demographics, the level of awareness towards BC genes, the family history of BC and the perceived personal risk among adult Saudi women in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during the second BC community-based campaign in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. All Saudi women aged ${\geq}18$ years (n=781) attending the educational components of the campaign were invited to a personal interview. Data collection included gathering information about sociodemographics, family history of BC, the perceived personal risk for BC, awareness and attitude towards BC genes and the women's interest in BC genes testing. Results: Of the included women (n=599), 19.5% perceived higher risk for BC development, significantly more among < 40 years of age, and with positive family history of BC before 50 years of age. The participants demonstrated a poor level of awareness regarding the inheritance, risk, and availability of BC genetic testing. The median summated knowledge score was 1.0 (out of 7 points) with a knowledge deficit of 87.8%. The level of knowledge showed significant decline with age (> 40 years). Of the included women 54.7% expressed an interest in BC genetic testing for assessing their BC risk. Multivariate regression model showed that being middle aged (Odds Ratio 'OR'=1.88, confidence intervals 'C.I'=1.14-3.11), with higher knowledge level (OR=1.67, C.I=1.08-2.57) and perceiving higher risk for BC (OR=2.11, C.I=1.61-2.76) were the significant positive correlates for Saudi women interest in BC genetic testing. Conclusion: Saudi women express high interest in genetic testing for BC risk despite their poor awareness. This great interest may reflect the presence of inappropriate information regarding BC genetic testing and its role in risk analysis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권12호
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• pp.7409-7414
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• 2013

Background: Delay in diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with a poorer survival and a pivotal contribution to this delayed diagnosis comes from patient delay in presenting at a clinic. Reasons involved must be evaluated in order to decrease this reducible delay. Objectives: i) To evaluate the reasons for patient delay in diagnosis of breast cancer; ii) to investigate any association with other variables. Materials and Methods: A 6 month cross sectional study (from July 2012 to Dec 2012), was carried out in Surgical and Oncology Units of Civil Hospital, Karachi. A total of 100 females diagnosed with breast cancer of any histological type were interviewed after informed consent and relevant data were collected. Due ethical clearance was obtained. Results: Mean age was $47.5{\pm}12.1$ years with a range from 25-77 years. Mean duration of delay was $5.13{\pm}4.8$ months, from shortest 1 month to longest 36 months. Duration of delay was observed to be no delay (<1 month) in 28%, short delay (1-3 months) in 30% and long delay (>3 months) in 42% of patients. Considering the symptoms as "harmless" (39%) was the most frequent reason of delay followed by "temporary" (20%) and the "use of traditional methods" (12%). Most common reason for later approaches was an increase in the size of the lump (41%). Statistically significant association (p-value <0.05) of longer patient delay was obtained with being single, being illiterate, painless breast lump as the first symptom, negative family history of breast cancer and vague attribution of the symptoms. Conclusions: Significant delay in approach to health care facility was observed in our study due to variable reasons given by women. Sufficient awareness regarding breast cancer, its symptoms and favorable effects of a timely diagnosis on prognosis must be imparted to our general population.