• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1627-1632
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• 2012

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia. Barriers for practicing breast self examination (BSE) await exploration. Objective: To assess the practice of BSE and its correlated factors and particularly barriers amongst urban women in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 222 Malaysian women using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The mean (SD) age was 28.5 (${\pm}9.2$) years, 59.0% were university graduates. Of the total, 81.1% were aware of breast cancer and 55% practiced BSE. Amongst 45% of respondents who did not practice BSE, 79.8% did not know how to do it, 60.6% feared being diagnosed with breast cancer, 59.6% were worried about detecting breast cancer, 22% reported that they should not touch their bodies, 44% and 28% reported BSE is embarrassing or unpleasant, 29% time consuming, 22% thought they would never have breast cancer or it is ineffective and finally 20% perceived BSE as unimportant. Logistic regression modeling showed that respondents aged ${\geq}45$ years, being Malay, married and having a high education level were more likely to practice BSE (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study sample, a significant proportion of respondents was aware of breast cancer but did not practice BSE. Knowledge, psychological, cultural, perception and environmental factors were identified as barriers. BSE practice was associated significantly with socio-demographic factors and socioeconomic status.

• Journal of Korean Academic Society of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.186-196
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• 2021

Purpose: Breast cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent among young Korean women. During pregnancy, women's concern regarding their breasts heightens. Thus, pregnancy provides a window of opportunity for breast cancer prevention and management along with antenatal care. This study developed and evaluated an integrated breast health program for pregnant women. Methods: This study employed a non-equivalent control group and non-synchronized design (22 experimental, 29 control). Women pregnant for over 28 weeks participated. The two-session integrated breast health program focused on breast management during breastfeeding and education about breast cancer prevention and early screening. Results: During the early postpartum period (within three months after the program), there were statistically significant differences in knowledge and attitude about breast cancer and breast self-examination before and after the program. There were also statistically significant differences in BSE at 6 and 12 months after the program and mammography at 12 months after the program. However, there were no statistically significant differences in clinical breast examination and breast ultrasonography at 6 and 12 months after the program. Conclusion: The integrated breast health management program was effective in increasing knowledge and improving attitudes regarding breast cancer, BSE, and early screening practices among pregnant women. Further studies should consider providing breast health programs differently for each phase of pregnancy and continuing the same after delivery.