Monthly breast self-examination (BSE) is an extremely important part of health care for all women in every stage of life as a primary tool in the early detection of breast mass, be it benign or malignant. Early diagnosis and early treatment is crucial for successful cure. Over the years, there has been some debate over just how BSE is in detecting breast mass early and the likelihood of survival.
Worldwide breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women. In Tanzania, it is the second most common cancer in women, cervical cancer being the first. Early diagnosis is the key to control this high disease burden. Detection of lumps, tenderness, skin changes or discharge is crucial for early diagnosis and all be picked by a proper Breast Self-Examination (BSE).
The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of BSE among female medical students in CUHAS. Being medical students, this group ought to be better informed on the importance of monthly BSE and the correct way of doing it.
Objective: The study was intended to determine the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination amongst female medical students in CUHAS
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. The accessible population was all female medical students at CUHAS that there willing to participate in the study, random sampling technique was used. Data collection was done using a questionnaire which consisted of three parts: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about BSE and practices of BSE. Data obtained was analyzed for the purpose of the study’s objectives.
Results: 87.0% of the respondents claimed they have heard of BSE while 13.0% had never heard of it before. Of the respondents 58.7% reported to have practiced BSE while 41.3% had never practiced it. 17.4% reported that their reason for not practicing BSE is lack of knowledge. 16.8% have never performed BSE for a reason that they have no signs of breast cancer. Of those who have performed BSE, 59 reported to do it monthly, 21 annually, 109 it occasionally, 49.4% of the respondents reported to have performed BSE in the last 12 months.
Budget: Proposal developments – 150,000, Data collection – 200,000 Personal allowances 100,000 Report preparation – 200,000 making a total of 650,000
Wurzburg Road 35, BMC Premises, Post Code: 33102: P. O. Box 1464, Mwanza – Tanzania: Phone: +255 28 298 3384: Fax: +255 28 298 3386: Email: vc@bugando.ac.tz www.bugando.ac.tz