An eight-year experience of implementing a pro-active approach to early detection of breast cancer in a community.
- Author:
Merilles Pierre Angelo M
;
Siguan Stephen SIXTO
;
Salutan Sharon Adelheid A
;
Inot Annalou Fae M
- Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
- Keywords: Breast Cancer; Early Detection; Community Outreach
- MeSH: Human; Breast Self-examination; Community-institutional Relations; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Ambulatory Care Facilities
- From: Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties 2010;65(3):96-104
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the demographic as well as clinical profile of patients participating in the breast cancer community outreach program and determine if the Breast Cancer Community Outreach Program can successfully find breast cancer cases in the community.
METHODS: In 2001, a breast cancer community outreach program was organized by the Vicente Sotto Memorial Center - Breast Center. The program components included breast cancer lay forum, breast self-examination (BSE) classes and breast clinic. Twenty seven breast cancer community outreach program were conducted in a span of 8 years.
RESULTS: There were 1719 participants with a mean age of 32.5 years. The most common reason for consultation was breast check-up (79.6%), majority had normal breast examination findings (75.9%) and breast cancer was also identified in only 19 out of 1719 (1.1%). Most of these were early breast cancer.
CONCLUSION: The Breast Cancer Community Outreach Program was not only vital in providing an-site breast cancer cases among women consulting at the community breast clinic.