Exploring Knowledge about Breast Self- Examination among Middle-Aged Women in Aswan, Egypt (Upper Egypt)

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major killer disease among women and an overwhelming number of women have fallen victim to this deadly disease worldwide as well as in Egypt. Thus, early detection of breast cancer is crucial to decreasing the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer. This qualitative, exploratory descriptive study aimed to understand the perceptions of Egyptian middle aged women about breast self-examination (BSE). The study was conducted in two rural areas in Aswan, Egypt, using the purposive sampling technique; twelve (12) middle aged women were selected as the study participants. Data was collected through semi-structured face to face interviews using an interview guide and an audiotape recorder. The interview was in the Arabic language. The qualitative content analysis (Unrau & Coleman, 1997) using the manual method, was utilized as the analytical method to identify emerging Categories and themes. The Cognitive domain was identified as the main theme with three categories: knowledge about breast cancer, knowledge of breast self-examination and preventive measures for breast cancer. The overall findings revealed that middle-aged women living in the rural areas in Upper Egypt lack knowledge about breast cancer and breast self- examination. In addition, they have a negative attitude towards BSE, thus the practice of BSE is very low, and in some cases, non- existent among women in Upper Egypt’s rural areas This study has implications for policy makers and other stake holders. Hence, it is recommended that accurate knowledge, support and service about breast cancer and BSE be provided in the region, to improve the practice of BSE as well as to decrease the mortality rate of breast cancer in Egypt.

Keywords

Breast, Self-Examination, Rural areas in Aswan

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