Performed a Qualitative and Quantitative of Breast Self- Examination: a Checklist Approach

Breast neoplasia is the most common cancer among women in both in the developed and the developing country. Over 1.15 million women worldwide are detected with breast neoplasia each year and the mortality rate is 502,000 cases from this cancer. This study designs to describe how Iranian women perform breast self-examination. In this cross, sectional study 447 participants who referred to five-health center of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences were chosen. The questionnaire and checklist were completed from all participants through a face-to-face interview. If she obtains 0-6 total score, she has weak Performance, if she obtains 7-12 total score, she has acceptable Performance and if she obtains 13-18 total score, she has good Performance of breast self-examination. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 16. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Non-parametric tests such as Mann–Whitney were adopted. In our study 92% of women heard about breast self-examination, but only 17.4% of them perform it monthly. From all 348 (77.9%) had poor, 78 (17.4%) moderate and only 21 (4.7%) had good performance. From all participants 189(42%) by health worker 36(8.1%) by family and 70(15.7%) by media learn how to perform breast self-examination. Study showed although most of women heard about Breast Self Examination but it was not a routine screening in developing country. This study confirmed that Iranian women have poor knowledge about how to perform breast self-examination. There is need for adequate health education on breast cancer and breast self-examination among Iranian women.