Level of knowledge about breast self-examination
Section: LEARNING TO TEACH
Authors
1Juan Videla Alfaro, 2Jessica Gómez Elgueda, 2Claudia Muñoz Lobos
Position
1Profesor de Biología. Licenciado en Enfermería. Magister en Educación Superior. Docente en la Escuela de Salud AIEP-UA Bello, Chile.2Técnicos en Enfermería de Nivel Superior. Escuela de Salud AIEP-UA Bello, Chile.
Contact email: videla.j@gmail.com
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women, for example, in South America almost 25,000 women die annually and there are about 75,000 new cases each year.
Breast self-examination carried out by woman helps being alert to any abnormalities. This is why it is advisable to deliver knowledge, because when this method is mastered and used consistently, it would allow early detection of abnormalities that may correspond with early stages of breast cancer.
It is vital to know the degree of knowledge on this issue because at least 85% of all breast lumps are discovered by accident by the patients, in fact, one of the factors that delay consulting with a doctor is an inadequate education, as there is still the belief that if there is no pain there is no cause for concern.
Research was conducted to compare the degree of knowledge of this technique amongst female students of a nursing degree course, with the degree of knowledge amongst female students in the School of Communication. We conclude that students in the nursing degree course have greater knowledge about breast cancer, and carry out self-examinations more often. This knowledge increases according to the semester they are enrolled. Our proposal is to conduct educational interventions in the population of our institution, to promote knowledge on breast self-examination.
Breast self-examination carried out by woman helps being alert to any abnormalities. This is why it is advisable to deliver knowledge, because when this method is mastered and used consistently, it would allow early detection of abnormalities that may correspond with early stages of breast cancer.
It is vital to know the degree of knowledge on this issue because at least 85% of all breast lumps are discovered by accident by the patients, in fact, one of the factors that delay consulting with a doctor is an inadequate education, as there is still the belief that if there is no pain there is no cause for concern.
Research was conducted to compare the degree of knowledge of this technique amongst female students of a nursing degree course, with the degree of knowledge amongst female students in the School of Communication. We conclude that students in the nursing degree course have greater knowledge about breast cancer, and carry out self-examinations more often. This knowledge increases according to the semester they are enrolled. Our proposal is to conduct educational interventions in the population of our institution, to promote knowledge on breast self-examination.
Keywords:
breast self-examination; cancereducation
Versión en Español
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