Breast cancer is a major public health problem, early detection of breast cancer would be a useful approach for controlling the disease and reducing mortality. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of a group of Egyptian women regarding breast self-examination (BSE). It is a cross sectional study. A self administered questionnaire, containing questions about sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE was applied. There is higher knowledge score about BSE among participants who are more than 40 years, urban residents, university educated , high social class, married and those with a positive family history of breast cancer . There is significant differences between those who performed BSE and those who did not regarding educational level , occupation and past history of breast problems . The most common barrier against BSE practice was absence of risk (39%) then fears of discovering any breast abnormality (34.5%). The results concluded that the knowledge and the practice of BSE are inadequate among the respondents, but they have positive attitude towards the desire of being taught about BSE practice. A program aiming at dissemination of the appropriate knowledge and practice technique about BSE is highly recommend |
