Breast self-examination: knowledge and practices among women in Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract Backgrounds and aims Breast cancer is a major public health problem. In Tunisia, breast cancer is the first leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Different organizations and professionals advise women to learn how to perform breast self-examination (BSE) so that they can detect the slightest change as soon as it intervenes. Objective This study aims to determine the prevalence of women performing breast self-examination and to evaluate their practices. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed about women's knowledge, attitude and practice of breast cancer screening and breast self-examination. The study was conducted in the Reproductive Health Center of Sousse spread over a period of 2 months (February, March 2018). Self administered questionnaires were distributed to women. Results The mean age of the participants was 34 years with extremes ranging from 18 to 64 years. 47% of women surveyed have already performed breast self examination at least once during the last year. 14% of participants practiced breast cancer screening less than once a year. The first source of learning for breast cancer screening was health professionals in 27% of cases. The score of the practice of women surveyed was average; mostly, women have intermediate results for the technique of self-examination breast. No woman had a score of 15/15. Conclusions A better education of the practice of self-examination is essential in order to improve the screening program for breast cancer. The role of the gynecologist, general practitioner or midwife is therefore essential in education and training. Key messages A better education of the practice of self-examination is essential in order to improve the screening program for breast cancer. The role of the gynecologist, general practitioner or midwife is therefore essential in education and training.