scholarly journals Palpreast—A New Wearable Device for Breast Self-Examination

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Arcarisi ◽  
Licia Di Pietro ◽  
Nicola Carbonaro ◽  
Alessandro Tognetti ◽  
Arti Ahluwalia ◽  
...  

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Although targeted screening programs using mammography have facilitated earlier detection and improved treatment has resulted in a significant reduction in mortality, some negative aspects related to cost, the availability of trained staff, the duration of the procedure, and its non-generalizability to all women must be taken into consideration. Breast palpation is a simple non-invasive procedure that can be performed by lay individuals for detecting possible malignant nodules in the breast. It is a simple test, based on the haptic perception of different stiffness between healthy and abnormal tissues. According to a survey we carried out, despite being safe and simple, breast self-examination is not carried by women because they are not confident of their ability to detect a lump. In this study, a non-invasive wearable device designed to mimic the process of breast self-examination using pressure sensing textiles and thus increase the confidence and self-awareness of women is proposed. Combined with other screening methods, the device can increase the odds of early detection for better prognosis. Here, we present the physical implementation of the device and a finite element analysis of the mechanics underlying its working principle. Characterization of the device using models of large and medium breast phantoms with rigid inclusions demonstrates that it can detect nodules in much the same way as does the human hand during breast self-examination.

Curationis ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.H.E.E. Shepherd ◽  
P.A. Mclnerney

This research is a follow up of a Breast Week which was organized in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The specific objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the knowledge and teachings given to the women who participated in this project. A quantitative approach with an exploratory descriptive design was adopted and an observational checklist guided the data collection process. A sample size of 120 women (10%) who participated in the Breast Week was obtained through systematic sampling. During the Breast Week women were taught how to examine their breasts using breast self-examination (BSE) to detect abnormalities of the breasts. This study was undertaken one year later by the researcher to ascertain whether the information on breast self-examination provided during the Breast Week was being utilised and whether what was taught was being put into use. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. Reliability and validity were ensured through the use of a structured observational checklist and a pilot study was undertaken. The observations were all observed and recorded by the same researcher. The majority of the 120 women (91.7%) stated that they had never practiced BSE before the Breast Week. After receiving health education on BSE, 95% were able to demonstrate an effective method of undertaking BSE. It is thus recommended that every opportunity should be utilized in health care settings to teach BSE and to reinforce the practice, especially in poverty stricken countries where other forms of screening methods are unavailable.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Ahmadzadeh Amiri ◽  
Mohammadreza Haghshenas ◽  
Ali Ahmadzadeh Amiri ◽  
Fatemeh Daneshvar

PurposeBreast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. This study aimed to compare the level of knowledge and attitude of females regarding Breast cancer and to determine the role of knowledge, attitude and barriers in performing regular self-examination.Design/methodology/approachNon-physician females aged 18 years old or above were enrolled in this cross-sectional study in two groups of usual clients and healthcare staff from January 2018 to January 2019 from a healthcare center in Sari, a major city in the northern district of Iran. A questionnaire was used to score the participants’ knowledge and attitude levels using questions about the participants' knowledge and attitude towards Breast cancer along with their status on Breast self-examination and barriers. Mean scores were used for statistical analysis using SPSS V25. p < 0.05 was considered significant.FindingsA final dataset of 279 females were collected. A significant difference in the knowledge and attitude regarding breast cancer was found between the two study groups (p < 0.001). The practice of BSE was significantly lower in the usual clients compared to non-physician healthcare staff (p < 0.001). The most frequent barriers for not performing a regular BSE were fear of finding a mass in usual clients (17.8%) and lack of confidence in healthcare staff (3.8%).Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include single-centered sample selection.Practical implicationsGiven the importance of early detection in breast cancer prevention and the general taboo regarding breast cancer screening methods in certain parts of the world, leading to poor results in early detection and prevention, the authors believe that it is of superior importance to address and promote positive attitudes in general population towards breast self-examination.Originality/valueGiven the importance of early detection in breast cancer prevention, and the general taboo regarding breast cancer screening methods in certain parts of the world, leading to poor results in early detection and prevention, the authors believe that it is of superior importance to address and promote positive attitudes in general population toward breast self-examination. The authors of this study believe that the manuscript represents honest and original work.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-52
Author(s):  
Rafiah Maharani PULUNGAN ◽  
Fathinah Ranggauni HARDY

The problem of breast cancer and the impact it has created will require public health interventions in the form of a national countermeasure program regulated in Permenkes No. 34 of 2015 concerning Management of Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer. One of the prevention of breast cancer is case finding with early detection which is done through Breast Self-Examination (BSE) which can be done easily which aims to determine the presence or absence of a lump that can develop into breast cancer. One of the prevention of breast cancer is case finding with early detection which is done through Breast Self-Examination (BSE) which can be done easily which aims to determine the presence or absence of a lump that can develop into breast cancer.  The purpose of this activity is to increase knowledge, and change behavior about early detection of breast cancer through Breast Self-Examination (BSE) in Cipayung Village, Depok City. The target audience for this service is the Health Officers and Cadres in the Puskesmas, and especially the mothers in Cipayung Village. The method of implementation of this community service includes the preparation, implementation and evaluation stages. In the preparation stage it was shown that all participants had never received education about BSE before, even 95% of the 32 participants had just heard about BSE. Low initial knowledge can be seen from the results of pre-tests conducted in which the majority of mothers' level of knowledge is still low about breast self-examination and breast cancer after education and training there is an increase in maternal knowledge about breast self-examination. It is recommended that health workers regularly provide education about breast self-awareness to women, especially mothers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
Zuweina Al-Ismaili ◽  
Khalid Al-Nasri ◽  
Amal Al-Yaqoobi ◽  
Ahmed Al-Shukaili

Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge of breast cancer (BC) risk factors, warning signs and symptoms and breast self-examination (BSE) practice among Omani female teachers in Al-Dhahira Governorate. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of female teachers aged 20–50 years was collected from January to December 2018 from three wilayats (provinces) in Al-Dhahira—Ibri, Dhank and Yunqal. A questionnaire that included the Breast Cancer Awareness Scale and demographic characteristics was administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and Pearson’s Chi-square test. Results: A total of 478 female teachers were included in the study (response rate: 72.4%). The majority of participants (60.5%) had good overall knowledge about BC while 19.9% of participants had excellent overall knowledge. Only 9% of participants demonstrating excellent knowledge of BC risk factors. More than half of the participants (56.1%) reported excellent knowledge in screening methods. Unfortunately, only 57% of the female teachers indicated practising BSE. Knowledge of BC symptoms was closely divided between excellent and good levels (45.8 and 42.5%, respectively). BSE practice was significantly (P <0.05) correlated with overall knowledge of BC and its symptoms and screening methods, but not with knowledge of BC risk factors. Conclusion: This study revealed unsatisfactory overall knowledge of BC risk factors, symptoms, screening methods and BSE practice among female Omani teachers in Al-Dhahira Governorate. These findings constitute a challenge to healthcare providers to continue developing awareness of BC and providing health information to the public.Keywords: Breast Cancer; Awareness; Knowledge; Breast Self-Examination; Risk factors; Signs and Symptoms; Oman.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaima K. AlBlooshi ◽  
Lina T. Al Kury ◽  
Pavlos Malindretos

Background/Aim: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among female population worldwide. In the United Arab Emirates, breast cancer accounts for 31-43% of all cancer types. Recently, breast cancer incidence has declined as a result of development of better diagnostic techniques. Good knowledge and awareness about early detection of signs and symptoms of the disease are the most important keys for reducing morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness about the risk factors of breast cancer, as well as, the knowledge about screening methods among female students at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. Method:  A random cross-sectional survey was carried to evaluate the level of awareness about breast cancer among female students at Zayed University. A total of 100 females aged 18–31 from different colleges were included in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 program. Chi- square test was used together with Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results show that there is a lack of knowledge and awareness about the risk factors for breast cancer. Only 12% of the participants knew that physical inactivity is a risk factor. However, 29% of the participants knew that obesity is a risk factor. Knowledge about screening methods was poor and varied according to the marital and educational status of the students. Only 17% of the total participants have done breast self-examination. Single women had less frequently performed breast self-examination compared to married women Although 40% of the participants knew about ultra sound, only 22% of the students did have the knowledge about the proper age of mammogram screening. Conclusion: The results point to the lack of awareness among female students about breast cancer, the risk factors and screening methods. Therefore, effective educational programs are required to improve the knowledge level of university students regarding breast cancer and related practices.


10.2196/25404 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. e25404
Author(s):  
Afnan Abdulnasir Sabgul ◽  
Ameerah M N Qattan ◽  
Rubayyat Hashmi ◽  
Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi

Background Despite Saudi Arabia’s free and well-established cancer care program, breast cancer incidence and mortality are rising. Husbands’ knowledge, and wives’ attitudes and practices related to breast cancer screening are not well understood in Saudi Arabia. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate husbands’ knowledge, and wives’ attitudes and practices related to breast cancer screening in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study collected data from 403 husbands in the holy city of Makkah through an online self-reported questionnaire over a period of 2 months, from May 6 to July 7, 2020. Tabulation, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were the major tools used for data analysis. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the association between husbands’ knowledge and wives’ behavior regarding breast cancer screening methods. Results Husbands’ knowledge score (a 1-point increase) was significantly associated with the wives’ utilization of mammograms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.089, 95% CI 1.024-1.159) and breast self-examination (AOR 1.177, 95% CI 1.105-1.255). Husbands’ knowledge also influenced the wives’ attitudes toward learning about breast self-examination (AOR 1.138, 95% CI 1.084-1.195). There was no significant association between husbands’ knowledge and wives’ utilization of clinical breast examination. However, richer husbands showed a socioeconomic gradient concerning their wives’ utilization of clinical breast examinations (AOR 2.603, 95% CI 1.269-5.341). Conclusions Overall, husbands’ knowledge of breast cancer influences wives’ attitudes and practices related to breast cancer screening methods in Saudi Arabia. Thus, interventions delivered to husbands might increase breast cancer awareness and survival.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afnan Abdulnasir Sabgul ◽  
Ameerah M N Qattan ◽  
Rubayyat Hashmi ◽  
Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi

BACKGROUND Despite Saudi Arabia’s free and well-established cancer care program, breast cancer incidence and mortality are rising. Husbands’ knowledge, and wives’ attitudes and practices related to breast cancer screening are not well understood in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate husbands’ knowledge, and wives’ attitudes and practices related to breast cancer screening in Saudi Arabia. METHODS This cross-sectional study collected data from 403 husbands in the holy city of Makkah through an online self-reported questionnaire over a period of 2 months, from May 6 to July 7, 2020. Tabulation, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were the major tools used for data analysis. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the association between husbands’ knowledge and wives’ behavior regarding breast cancer screening methods. RESULTS Husbands’ knowledge score (a 1-point increase) was significantly associated with the wives’ utilization of mammograms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.089, 95% CI 1.024-1.159) and breast self-examination (AOR 1.177, 95% CI 1.105-1.255). Husbands’ knowledge also influenced the wives’ attitudes toward learning about breast self-examination (AOR 1.138, 95% CI 1.084-1.195). There was no significant association between husbands’ knowledge and wives’ utilization of clinical breast examination. However, richer husbands showed a socioeconomic gradient concerning their wives’ utilization of clinical breast examinations (AOR 2.603, 95% CI 1.269-5.341). CONCLUSIONS Overall, husbands’ knowledge of breast cancer influences wives’ attitudes and practices related to breast cancer screening methods in Saudi Arabia. Thus, interventions delivered to husbands might increase breast cancer awareness and survival.


Author(s):  
Archana Bakthavatchalam ◽  
Perumal Kandasamy Govindarajan ◽  
John William Felix

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in worldwide. One potentially important strategy in reducing breast cancer mortality is the use of screening methods such as breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination, and mammography for early detection. This Study was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness regarding breast cancer and BSE among working women.Methods: A part of the interventional study was carried out among a total sample of 124 working women in Annamalai University. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information about the knowledge of breast cancer and BSE. The collected information was entered in Microsoft excel sheet and analysed using SPSS. One way ANOVA test has been applied to find out whether level of knowledge differs by age, education, occupation and BSE awareness.Results: Majority (67%) of women had inadequate knowledge on breast cancer and BSE. The education, occupation and breast self-awareness has influence on the knowledge level.Conclusions: The level of awareness on breast cancer and BSE among educated working women was low. Active steps and necessary interventions should be taken to increase awareness through health education program.


Author(s):  
Igor Brum ◽  
Tamara Rodrigues ◽  
Estela Laporte ◽  
Fernando Aarestrup ◽  
Geraldo Vitral ◽  
...  

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of adherence to screening methods for breast and cervical cancer in patients attended at a university hospital and to investigate whether knowing someone with breast cancer, moreover belonging to the patient's family, affects the adherence to the screening recommendations. Methods This was a cross-sectional and quantitative study. A structured interview was applied to a sample of 820 women, between 20 and 69 years old, who attended a university hospital in the city of Juiz de for a, MG, Brazil. For the analysis, the chi-square test was used to assess possible associations between the variables, and the significance level was set at p-value ≤ 0.05 for a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results More than 95.0% of the sample performed mammography and cervical cytology exam; 62.9% reported knowing someone who has or had breast cancer, and this group was more likely to perform breast self-examination (64.9%; odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.12–2.00), clinical breast examination (91.5%; OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.37–3.36), breast ultrasound (32.9%; OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.30–2.51), and to have had an appointment with a breast specialist (28.5%; OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.38–2.82). Women with family history of breast cancer showed higher propensity to perform breast self-examination (71.0%; OR 1.53 95% CI 1.04–2.26). Conclusion There was high adherence to the recommended screening practices; knowing someone with breast cancer might make women more sensitive to this issue as they were more likely to undergo methods which are not recommended for the screening of the general population, such as breast ultrasound and specialist consultation; family history is possibly an additional cause of concern.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nergiz Sevinc ◽  
Belgin Oral ◽  
Burcu Korkut

Breast and cervical cancer incidence and mortality among women have been increasing worldwide. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate women's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding breast and cervical cancers. The sample was composed of 507 women aged 18 years and older who were admitted to a primary health care center in Karabük, Turkey, from October to December 2019. The data was obtained using a questionnaire consisting of 34 questions regarding participants’ socio demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward breast and cervical cancers. The mean age of the participants was 41.3±12.0 years and 68.4% of them were married. Slightly more than seven in ten participants knew that the most common cancer in women was breast cancer. Almost six in ten knew that breast self-examination was the first method in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast self examination practice was found to be significant among university graduates. Periodic mammography and pap smear screenings among participants were 21.9% and 23.3%, respectively. Only 3.4% of participants had received the HPV vaccine and there was no significant difference between socio-demographic characteris tics and HPV vaccination status (p-value > 0.05). Participants had moderate knowledge about breast and cervical cancer. Access to cancer screening programs should be facilitated and increased, considering these cancers' public health importance.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document