Women’s Perception Regarding Screening for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess women’s perception regarding screening for early detection of breast cancer. Research Design: Descriptive approach was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted in Nasser institute (women health unit) that is a new unit for women health which has many activities including screening for breast cancer. Sample: Convenient sample consisted of 150 women from the previous mentioned setting. Tools: 2 tools were used. The first tool structured interviewing questionnaire was used to assess general characteristics, history of breast health problem and screening and early detection of breast cancer. Second tool health belief model was used to assess women knowledge and attitude regarding screening for early detection of breast cancer. Result: 27.3% of the studied women knew new methods that used for early screening for breast cancer, 46.3% know breast self-examination as screening method for breast cancer only 29.3%perform screening for breast cancer and 29.5% of them become they being high risk group, 44% of the studied women had good knowledge and 40.7% had positive attitude regarding screening for early detection of breast cancer. There was positive correlation between total knowledge of the studied women and their total attitude. Conclusion: The present study was concluded that more than one third of women had good knowledge regarding screening for early detection of breast cancer. Nearly half of them had positive attitude regarding screening for early detection of breast cancer. Moreover there was positive correlation between their total knowledge and total attitude regarding screening for early detection of breast cancer. Recommendation: Adding educational program to educate women in primary health care setting / hospital about new screening is important procedure for breast cancer screening through work shop / booklet. Further study: Barriers for practice of screening of breast cancer among high risk groups.