• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4411-4416
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• 2014

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females all over the world with approximately one million new cases each year as well as one of second leading causes of death among females. In Pakistan, the most frequently diagnosed cancer among females is also breast cancer, accounting for nearly one in nine female patients. Its incidence in Pakistan is 2.5 times higher than that in neighboring countries like Iran and India. The risk factors associated with breast cancer are age, family history, early menarche, intake of combined estrogen and progestin menopausal hormones, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, low socioeconomic status and lack of awareness regarding the disease. This mini-review article aims to provide awareness about breast cancer as well as an updated knowledge about the prevalence, risk factors and disease knowledge of breast cancer in Pakistan.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was the development and validation of knowledge scale for patients with breast cancer (KS-Br) in Korea. Methods: The process included the construction of a conceptual framework, generation of preliminary items, and the test of validity and reliability of the scale. Thirty-seven items were developed through an evaluation process by 10 experts and 24 items were finally confirmed through item analysis. Psychometric testing was performed with a convenient sample of 303 women with breast cancer. The data was analyzed using independent t-test, Pearson's correlation, and calculation of KR-20. Results: Participants averaged 70.8% correct on the test. The KS-Br has 24 items consisting of 5 categories: incidence of breast cancer, diagnosis and treatment, symptom management, sexuality, and maintenance of daily life. Validity was supported by the use of content validity, known-group technique, and criterion-related validity. Women who had undergone education intervention scored significantly higher than women who had not (p<.001). KS-Br scores were significantly correlated with those of Mishel's Illness Uncertainty Scale (r=-.214, p<.001). Internal consistency of the KS-Br was appropriate (KR20=.805). Conclusion: This study reveals that the KS-Br is reliable and valid scale to measure the knowledge of breast cancer. Therefore, this scale can be effectively utilized to assess the knowledge of patients with breast cancer regarding their disease.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.16
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• pp.6525-6529
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• 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the health beliefs and knowledge about breast self examination (BSE) and the actual BSE habits of female university nursing students. Materials and Methods: The study sample recruited 189 nursing students who agreed to participate in the study. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, one way ANOVA test, t test and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyse the data. Results: 83.1% of nursing students had knowledge about breast cancer (BC) and BSE in the study. BSE was practiced by 70.4% of nursing students; 21.8% of them performed BSE regularly. A fear of developing BC was an incentive for 85% of nursing students to practice BSE. The confidence subscale scores in the third and fourth years of students' university education were higher, and the barrier subscale score in these same years was lower than their first years of study. Perception of benefit of nursing students experiencing breast-related discomfort exerted a positive effect. Nursing students with lower perception of barriesr performed BSE regularly. In conclusion, nursing students' years of university study, breast cancer knowledge, history of breast cancer in family, and BSE practice status were factors affecting their health beliefs. Conclusions: These study results indicate the importance of developing education and training programs which educate not only nursing students but all women about breast cancer, its symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis and of regular BSE.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.166-176
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• 2010

Purpose: The study was done to examine the effects of cognition-behavior integrated breast cancer prevention education, in which a breast model with interchangeable nodules was utilized, on the self-competency of nursing students in performing breast cancer education. Methods: A nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. A traditional lecture intervention was provided for 49 3rd year college of nursing students (control group) while the integrated breast cancer prevention education was given to 47 3rd year students in the same college one year later (experimental group). The integrated breast cancer prevention education was developed by the research team to strengthen the competency of cognitive and behavioral components in education on breast cancer. Results: Effects of the intervention were found to be significant through all study variables: knowledge about breast cancer (t=7.79, p <.001), breast cancer risk awareness (t=2.05, p <.05), self-competency of breast self-exam (t=8.27, p <.001), and intention to teach breast self-exam (t=3.87, p <.001). Conclusion: The integrated breast cancer prevention education was useful to improve not only knowledge about breast cancer but competency in performing breast examination for nursing students who acquired technical skills from various simulation nodules. As the program helped the students to be prepared as confident educators, future application of the module is recommended for academic curricula.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.27-37
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• 2009

Objectives: This study was conducted to identify the relationship among knowledge, self-efficacy and compliance behavior on breast self examination(BSE) of female college students'. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with a convenient sample of 499 female college student. Surveyed data collected from May to August 2008 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The mean score of knowledge and self-efficacy concerning BSE was low, and compliance was high. The levels of knowledge, self-efficacy and compliance were differed significantly by experience of thinking about breast cancer, perceived susceptibility of breast cancer, experience of meeting with breast cancer patient, and educational experience of BSE. Significant correlations were found between knowledge and compliance, knowledge and compliance, knowledge and self-efficacy. Knowledge and self-efficacy were a powerful predictor of compliance. Conclusion: Focus on perceived knowledge, self-efficacy about breast self examination(BSE) of female college students may be beneficial to improve compliance, and should be reflected in the development of effective BSE education program.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.88-98
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• 2011

Purpose: This study aims to determine obstetrics nurses knowledge, attitude, and practice about breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE), and to contribute to the early detection of breast cancer during breastfeeding periods. Methods: For the survey, 163 individuals (obstetric nurses) were chosen by convenience sampling and agreed to participate in the study. Their knowledge, attitude, and practice about breast cancer and BSE. Results: Knowledge and attitude averaged $70.45{\pm}10.90$ (of 100) and $3.64{\pm}0.27$ (of 5), respectively. While most nurses (99%) recognized the importance of BSE, only 58.9% experienced BSE. BSE practice level averaged $8.35{\pm}1.96$ (of 12). Only 20.2% had recommended BSE to their clients. Practice level varied significantly for different marital status, breastfeeding experience, and education, while knowledge and attitude remained independent. Nurses who had experienced mammogram or breast ultrasonogram themselves scored higher in knowledge. Attitude was higher for nurses who received recommendation for BSE, performed BSE, received BSE education, or recommended BSE to clients. Practice level was higher for nurses who received BSE education or willing to perform BSE in future. Practice level had a positive correlation with attitude but no correlation to knowledge. Conclusion: Obstetric nurses need continuing education for practicing BSE. Practical BSE education can not only promote preventive behavior of nurses, but it can also improve the breast health management of obstetrical clients.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.189-197
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• 2007

Purpose: Breast cancer is a common cancer in women in Korea. Early detection of breast cancer is very important for the protection of a woman's health. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effect of BSE education on knowledge, self efficacy and performance in middle-aged women. Method: The participants were 33 women who agreed to participate in the study. They responded to a questionnaire that included items on knowledge, self-efficacy and performance of BSE. The experimental group was given a 90 minute-session including a lecture and practice with a BSE practice model and their own body. Their knowledge of the BSE was measured using Choi's tool and self-efficacy was measured using the scale by Champion and Scott. Results: Homogeneity for knowledge, self-efficacy and performance of BSE between the experimental and the control groups was confirmed. After 3 months of BSE education, knowledge, self-efficacy and frequency of BSE performance in the experimental group were significantly higher than for the women in the control group. Conclusion: A BSE education program would be helpful to enhance health behavior by early detection of breast cancer in middle-age women.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2014

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of an education program integrating self-efficacy theory and narratives on self-efficacy, knowledge, and resilience in women with breast cancer. Methods: This study employed a nonequivalent control group posttest only design. A 3-day program consisting of sessions in which participants shared their experiences of breast cancer, lectures on breast cancer, and breast self-examinations was implemented. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires in 2013. Results: The mean age of participants was $50.8{\pm}5.3$; approximately half (52.8%) had Stage II breast cancer at the time of diagnosis. The results showed that the levels of self-efficacy, knowledge, and resilience were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that programs integrating self-efficacy theory and narratives would be effective in promoting resilience as well as self-efficacy and knowledge in women with breast cancer. Further studies are needed to identify the effects of such education programs for people with other types of cancer or chronic illnesses.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.557-565
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• 2004

This study was conducted to assess the effect of nutrition counseling for postoperative female breast cancer patients (N = 38). In baseline survey, we investigated the nutrition parameters by measuring anthropometric and biochemical blood index and assessing nutrient intake using recall method. Individual nutrition counseling was performed 3 times with 2 - 3 weeks intervals. Patients were offered nutrition information related to breast cancer and desirable life style after cancer operation. The effects of counseling program were assessed 2 month later. Of biochemical parameters, serum total cholesterol level was significantly reduced after nutrition counseling program. Nutrient intakes of postoperative breast cancer patients were generally below the RDA level at the baseline survey. After nutrition counseling, mean daily intake of total energy, protein, calcium were significantly elevated. Of dietary habit, meal regularity and control of portion size were improved and fruits and vegetables intake were significantly increased after nutrition counseling. Control of fatty food intake and alcohol drinking were significantly improved after nutrition counseling program. Score of general nutrition knowledge and knowledge about breast cancer, were significantly increased after nutrition counseling from 2.1 to 3.2 and from 2.3 to 3.8, respectively. It can be postulated that the dietary habit and nutrients intake of postoperative breast cancer patients can be improved by individual nutrition counseling program. In further study, the systematic group nutrition counseling program is needed.

• 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.