Breast Self-Examination : Knowledge and Performance in Cli macteric Women

Abstract

Objective To determine the knowledge and performance of breast self-examination (BSE) among the climacteric women attending the menopause clinic.

Subjects Two hundred and sixty-seven women who came to menopause clinic at the first visit and responded the designed questionnaires before physical examination from June 1995 to March 1996.

Results According to the advantage of BSE, 70 percent of the respondents reported that BSE assisted them to feel any changes in their breasts quickly. Seventy-six percent reported BSE helped in early detection of breast tumour. Nearly sixty-five percent knew that BSE should be practised once a month. Not more than 33.3 percent knew the best time to do BSE. Regarding to BSE performance, only 33.3 percent had done monthly BSE. Twenty-two percent were found masses or cysts during BSE and confirmed by the physician thereafter.

Conclusion Two-third of the respondents knew the advantage of BSE and one-third knew the best time to do, but there were few of them to perform BSE regularly. According to the results, the education to develop awareness and the encoura gement to perform BSE effectively are still needed for woman health promotion.