Evaluation of Breast Cancer Knowledge and Breast Self-Examination Practices among Adolescent Blind Girl's in Qena Governorate

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide; and its incidence is increasing in many countries. Breast SelfExamination (BSE) is a simple and easy way to detect any changes in the breast and help in early detection of breast cancer, which is highly recommended in young age started from age of 20 years. The aim of the study is to determine breast cancer knowledge, and BSE practices among adolescent blind girls. In addition, an intervention program in form of BSE education program was carried out on blind girls in a group of 37 blind girl students'. Breast cancer knowledge; and breast self-examination practices were assessed before and after education session using a set of questionnaires designed for the study. Data show that blind girls' age was mostly between 1720 years (54.1%). More than three quarters (86.5%) of the respondents said that they had never performed (BSE) before BSE education program, where the reasons could be lack of health awareness, or lack of right knowledge. Adolescent blind girl's knowledge regarding breast cancer and practice of BSE is inadequate before BSE education program. Therefore; targeted BSE education program was done for these adolescent blind girls to improve their early detection of breast cancer. Results show that participants’ knowledge of breast cancer increased significantly after the education with significance difference in knowledge of blind girl's between pre and post educational programs, as well as in practices of BSE where all of blind girls examine their breasts monthly after menses. They felt confident to the teaching personnel and we're willing to hear information about breast cancer and BSE. The results also show difference in blind girl's knowledge about breast cancer and BSE according to residence and mother education. As expected blind girls urban residents with educated mother have higher knowledge than other blind girl's that may be attributed to more health awareness. Based on the findings of the study, researchers believe that schools for blindness in Egypt need to provide teaching sessions on a regular basis for blind students on breast cancer and breast self-examination in order to increase their knowledge, and hence their practices and skills about breast selfexamination and breast cancer and its early detection. [Nadia Abdalla Mohamed, Neama Mohamed El-Magrabi and Samer S.Ahmed Evaluation of Breast Cancer Knowledge and Breast Self-Examination Practices among Adolescent Blind Girl's in Qena Governorate. Life Sci J 2013; 10(2):1143-1156] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 159