Improving Education Program

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 138 views

Early Detection of Breast Cancer: The Relationship between Knowledge of Breast Self-Examination and Incidence of Advanced Breast Cancer

Introduction

Cancer is a disease that has long been a source of fear for many people. Among the various types of cancer, breast cancer is the most common type affecting women and ranks second only to lung cancer globally. In 2020, the world recorded 2.3 million cases of breast cancer, with the number of cases reaching 7.8 million by the end of the year. In Indonesia, cases of breast cancer reached 68,858 out of a total of 396,914 cases of cancer, with a mortality rate of around 22,000. Unfortunately, the number of cases of breast cancer continues to increase, with about 70% of cases being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, early detection is crucial in preventing breast cancer from being diagnosed at an advanced stage. One method that can be done for early detection is to have good knowledge and skills in performing breast self-examination (BSE), which can be done independently every month at home.

The Importance of Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

Breast self-examination is a simple and effective method for early detection of breast cancer. By performing BSE regularly, women can detect abnormal changes in their breasts earlier, which can lead to better treatment outcomes and increased survival rates. However, many women are not aware of the importance of BSE or do not know how to perform it correctly. This lack of knowledge and skills can lead to delayed detection and treatment of breast cancer, resulting in a poorer prognosis.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge about BSE and the incidence of advanced breast cancer in patients at Prof. Dr. Chairuddin Panusunan Lubis Hospital, University of North Sumatra (RSP CPL USU).

Methodology

This study was conducted from August to October 2023 at the USU CPL RSP. This type of research is analytic with a cross-sectional study design. The sampling technique used was total sampling, with a total sample of 43 respondents taken from the period January to October 2023. The sample in this study consisted of female patients suffering from breast cancer and undergoing treatment at the USU CPL RSP.

Results and Discussion

The results showed a significant relationship between the level of knowledge about BSE and the incidence of advanced stage breast cancer in patients at the USU CPL RSP, with a P value of 0.019 obtained using the Chi-Square Pearson test (P <0.05). This indicates that the higher the level of knowledge about BSE, the lower the possibility of breast cancer at an advanced stage. Good knowledge about BSE allows women to perform regular examinations, so that they can detect abnormal changes in the breast earlier. With early detection, patients have a better chance of getting effective treatment and increasing their survival rates.

It is essential to improve the education program regarding BSE in the community, especially among women. Counseling on how to perform BSE, the frequency of examination, and signs of breast cancer to watch out for can help women become more proactive in maintaining the health of their breasts. In addition, the government and health organizations also need to strengthen the accessibility of information and health services related to breast cancer.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between the level of knowledge about BSE and the incidence of advanced stage breast cancer in patients at the USU CPL RSP. Therefore, increasing public knowledge about BSE is an important step in efforts to prevent and detect early breast cancer.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improving Education Program: The education program regarding BSE should be improved and made more accessible to the community, especially among women.
Counseling and Training: Counseling and training on how to perform BSE, the frequency of examination, and signs of breast cancer to watch out for should be provided to women.
Strengthening Accessibility of Information and Health Services: The government and health organizations should strengthen the accessibility of information and health services related to breast cancer.
Increasing Public Awareness: Public awareness about the importance of BSE and the risks of breast cancer should be increased through various channels, including media and community outreach programs.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that the incidence of advanced stage breast cancer can be reduced, and more women can benefit from early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and Breast Cancer

Q: What is Breast Self-Examination (BSE)?

A: Breast self-examination is a simple and effective method for early detection of breast cancer. It involves checking your breasts for any changes or abnormalities, such as lumps, swelling, or discharge.

Q: Why is BSE important?

A: BSE is important because it can help detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable. By performing BSE regularly, you can detect abnormal changes in your breasts earlier, which can lead to better treatment outcomes and increased survival rates.

Q: How often should I perform BSE?

A: It is recommended to perform BSE once a month, ideally on the same day of each month. This can help you become familiar with the normal feel and appearance of your breasts.

Q: What should I look for during BSE?

A: During BSE, you should look for any changes or abnormalities in your breasts, such as:

Lumps or thickening
Swelling or redness
Discharge or nipple inversion
Changes in the size or shape of your breasts

Q: How do I perform BSE?

A: To perform BSE, follow these steps:

Stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes in the size or shape of your breasts.
Use the pads of your fingers to feel your breasts, starting from the outside and working your way inwards.
Check for any lumps or thickening, and note any changes in the texture or feel of your breasts.
Check your nipples for any discharge or inversion.

Q: What if I find a lump or abnormality during BSE?

A: If you find a lump or abnormality during BSE, do not panic. Instead, schedule an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider to have it checked. They will perform a more thorough examination and may order additional tests, such as a mammogram or biopsy, to determine the cause of the lump or abnormality.

Q: Can BSE detect all types of breast cancer?

A: No, BSE cannot detect all types of breast cancer. While BSE can help detect breast cancer at an early stage, it is not a substitute for regular mammograms or other diagnostic tests. If you are over 40, it is recommended to have a mammogram every year to detect breast cancer at an early stage.

Q: Is BSE painful?

A: BSE should not be painful. If you experience any pain or discomfort during BSE, stop immediately and consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

Q: Can I perform BSE if I have a family history of breast cancer?

A: Yes, you can perform BSE even if you have a family history of breast cancer. However, if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, you may want to consider starting BSE at an earlier age and having regular mammograms.

Q: Can I perform BSE if I am breastfeeding?

A: Yes, you can perform BSE even if you are breastfeeding. However, it is recommended to wait until your milk supply has decreased and your breasts have returned to their pre-pregnancy size.

Q: Can I perform BSE if I have a history of breast surgery or radiation?

A: Yes, you can perform BSE even if you have a history of breast surgery or radiation. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting BSE, especially if you have had any recent breast surgery or radiation.

By following these guidelines and performing BSE regularly, you can help detect breast cancer at an early stage and increase your chances of successful treatment.