Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (아시아태평양암예방학회)
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Knowledge of Female Undergraduate Students on Breast Cancer and Breast Self-examination in Klang Valley, Malaysia

  • Akhtari-Zavare, Mehrnoosh (Cancer Resource and Education Center, Universiti Putra Malaysia) ;
  • Latiff, Latiffah A (Cancer Resource and Education Center, Universiti Putra Malaysia) ;
  • Juni, Muhamad Hanafiah (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia) ;
  • Said, Salmiah Md (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia) ;
  • Ismail, Irmi Zarina (Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia)
  • Published : 2015.10.06
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Abstract

Background: In Malaysia, breast cancer is the first cancer among females regardness of race. Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and BSE practice among undergraduate female students at four public universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 820 undergraduate female students using a self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic data, knowledge of breast cancer and BSE practice. Results: The mean age of the respondents was $21.7{\pm}1.2$ years. The majority of them were single (96.8%), Malay (91.9%) and 16.5% of respondents had a family history of breast cancer. This study showed low level of knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination among participants. Only 19.6% participants were performing BSE regularly. Knowledge of breast self-examination was significantly associated with BSE practice (p=0.00). Also, there were significant associations between performing BSE with age, marital status and being trained by a doctor for doing BSE (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings showed that the rate of BSE practice and knowledge of breast cancer is inadequate among young Malaysian females. A public health education program is essential to improve breast cancer prevention among this group.

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References

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