Breast self-examination practice and its impact on breast cancer diagnosis in Alexandria, Egypt.
This study estimated the frequency of breast-self examination practice and its possible relation to the stage of the disease at diagnosis and patient-related delay in diagnosis among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Breast self-examination was practiced in 10.4% of cases. It was performed by patients from higher socioeconomic levels and those with a positive family history of breast cancer or benign breast mass. There was significant association between failure to practise breast self-examination and diagnostic delay. We emphasize the need for breast self-examination awareness campaigns as a key measure for ensuring earlier diagnosis and hence better prognoses for breast cancer patients in our community.
Abdel-Fattah
M
M
Department of Medical Statistics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
Zaki
A
A
Bassili
A
A
el-Shazly
M
M
Tognoni
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004534:Egypt; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011379:Prognosis; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data