Breast Cancer Knowledge, Perception and Breast Self-Examination Practices in Aswan Women, Egypt

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among females in developed and developing countries. Early detection of breast cancer is of vital importance; as it's one of the major killer diseases of women all over the world. Breast self-examination (BSE) is the most important and effective way for the early detection of breast cancer. The study aims to focus on exploring perceptions about BSE among Egyptian women living in rural areas through Focus Group Discussion (FGD). In addition, this study is an attempt to explore whether or not Egyptian women have adequate knowledge about BSE and whether the middleaged women practice BSE or not. This is because little is known about the BSE experience among these Egyptian rural women. The study design Focus Group Discussions with rural women; which consider as Qualitative descriptive-exploratory design. Data was collected from April 2011 to May 2011 in Aswan, Egypt. Audio tapes were used to record the interview, and notes were taken from observations made on things that might be relevant to the study, such as participants’ non-verbal communication (facial expressions and other body language). The overall finding revealed a lack of knowledge about breast cancer and breast self –examination in middle aged women living in rural areas in Upper Egypt. The majority of the interviewed women believes that the physician should perform BSE. In addition 33% of these women believe that breastfeeding and multiple pregnancies increase breast cancer. The practice of BSE is very low, and in some cases; not exist among women in Upper Egypt rural areas. More than imagined there is no practice of BSE; although it's the only coin that can protect them from such disease. BSE is a better way than screening by health care professionals, as women can practice it themselves and thus help in the early detection of breast cancer. So, it is hoped that education of women about BSE will help to reduce mortalities of breast cancer and early detection of breast cancer instead of detection in the advanced stages. BSE for women of all ages as a very important tool in early detection of breast cancer. They should know the importance of BSE and the number of examinations they should perform. But, first, it is necessary to understand their perceptions and their knowledge about breast cancer and BSE. In the Egyptian culture, women often feel shy and even humiliated when they are asked to get their breast examined by the physicians. In addition when they do notice an abnormality in their breast they avoid seeking help. [Nadia Abdalla Mohamed, Fauziya Ali, Salma Rattani and Hanan Hussanien. Breast Cancer Knowledge, Perception and Breast Self-Examination Practices in Aswan Women, Egypt. J Am Sci 2013;9(4):6-20]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience.org. 2 Keyword: Breast cancer, Breast self-examination, Early Detection