Knowledge of Breast Cancer Among Urban Women in the South of Peninsular Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.18.6.5
- Author:
Lim Phui Yee
1
;
Azlina Yusuf
1
Author Information
1. Nursing Programme, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Breast cancer, Screening, Warning signs, Knowledge, Urban women
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.6):27-34
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: : Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally and it is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Malaysian women. Increasing women knowledge of BC and breast self-examination (BSE) leads to increased compliance in early diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge on BC and
its association with socio-demographic characteristics among urban women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was
conducted among 270 urban women in the South of Peninsular Malaysia using the adapted Breast Cancer Awareness
Measure. Data were analyzed through SPSS software version 26.0. Results: Of the participants, 53.7% (n=145) had
poor knowledge of BC warning signs, 50.7% (n=137) of BSE and 55.6% (n=150) of risk factors. High education was
associated with better BC knowledge on warning signs (p=0.006) and risk factors (p=0.048). Chinese women have
poor BC knowledge on warning signs (p=0.005) and BSE (p<0.001) than other ethnicities. Age (p=0.024) and marital
status (p=0.028) were statistically significant with BC knowledge on breast self-examination (BSE) while family history of BC (p=0.019) and duration of seeking medical advice (p=0.041) were associated with BC knowledge on the
risk factor. Conclusion: The findings of this study may give insight into effective health education strategies for urban
women concerning breast cancer awareness.
- Full text:11.2022my1355.pdf
