Medical Science
Volume 25, Issue 108, February, 2021
Perspicacity of medical students towards breast self-examination
Fauwaz F Alrashid1, Saadeldin A Idris1♦, Abdalla AE Elamin2, Alfatih MA Alnajib1, Haider OI Elmisbah3, Tarig MA Hussien4
1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of
Hail, KSA
2Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of
Hail, KSA
3Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Northern Border
University, KSA
4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of
Medicine, University of Hail, KSA
♦Corresponding author
Professor of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Hail,
KSA;
Email: saadeldinahmed@hotmail.com
ABSTRACT
2Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Hail, KSA
3Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Northern Border University, KSA
4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Hail, KSA
Professor of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Hail, KSA; Email: saadeldinahmed@hotmail.com
Background: Breast self-examination it is not seen as a pertinent cancer screening tool, yet, it plays an important part in the breast health awareness program. Aim: To determine the awareness level of final-year female medical students towards breast self-assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study included final-year female medical students of two consecutive academic years (2019 and 2020) (College of medicine, University of Hail). Result: An 83 college students, their additional knowledge regarding breast cancer was from media (69.9%). A 15.7% has a family history of breast cancer, this not affect their breast self-examination practice (P=0.37). A 61.4% were practicing. The justifications in the remainder for not practice either it is unhelpful or it may increase turmoil. An 86.7% believed it is useful means for early recognition of breast cancer. The age of 20 years is the appropriate age to
start practice, monthly and one week after menstruation were recognized by 57.8%, 87.9% and 86.7% respectively. Nearly, 69% knew its accurate technique. Conclusion: Students had inadequate knowledge and practice regarding breast self-examination, accordingly, its inclusion in the medical school curricula is recommended.
Keywords: Attitude; Breast cancer; Breast self-assessment; Female medical
students; Knowledge; Practice.
Medical Science, 2021, 25(108), 440-446
