Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Concerning Breast Cancer and Self Examination Among Females in UAE

Breast cancer awareness, knowledge and self-screening intention among females in Northern Border of Saudi Arabia, Arar City

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females, and early detection plays a crucial role in disease management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, and barriers related to breast self-examination (BSE) and mammography among Saudi women in Arar City, Saudi Arabia.

METHOD

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online Google Form distributed to women in Arar City. The survey collected sociodemographic data and assessed knowledge, practices, and barriers related to BSE and mammography. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0.1, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The study included 385 females, with women aged 19-25 constituting nearly one-third of the population (n = 118; 30.6%). Most participants were married (n = 217; 56.4%) and held a bachelor's degree (n = 281; 73%). While 84.2% (n = 324) had heard of BSE and 80% (n = 308) demonstrated good knowledge, only 33.5% (n = 129) reported performing BSE. Regarding mammography, only 19.5% (n = 75) reported undergoing screening, despite 65.1% (n = 247) recognizing it as a safe procedure. Educational level (p = 0.018), prior knowledge of BSE (p = 0.009), and history of breast problems (p = 0.027) were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores.

CONCLUSION

While women demonstrated good awareness and knowledge of BSE, its practice remains low, with many unaware of proper techniques, timing, and frequency. Mammography awareness and utilization were also limited, emphasizing the need for targeted educational campaigns to promote early detection and improve screening behaviours.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Digital Dental Technologies Among Dentists in Jiangsu Province

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with regard to digital dental technologies among dentists in Jiangsu province. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study enrolled dentists in Jiangsu province during June, 2023. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect the demographic characteristics of the participants and KAP regarding digital dental technologies. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the associations between KAP dimensions. Results: A total of 284 questionnaires were collected, of which 212 (74.65%) were valid, and 108 (50.94%) of the participants were male. Their knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 14.33 ± 3.59 (possible range: 0-19), 26.17 ± 3.40 (possible range: 8-40), and 10.73 ± 3.11 (possible range: 4-16), respectively, indicating sufficient knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was the most well-understood digital dental technology among the dentists (205, 96.70%), followed by intraoral scanning/models and digital impression scanning/facial scanning (198, 93.40%), computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) (177, 83.49%), three-dimensional printing (175, 82.55%), and surgical guides (175, 82.55%). CBCT was the most frequently used technique (90.09%), followed by intraoral scanning (72.17%), impression scanning (54.25%), and CAD/CAM (42.45%). The SEM showed that knowledge had a direct effect on attitude (β = 0.283, p < 0.001), and attitude had a direct effect on practice (β = 0.280, p < 0.001), demonstrating that knowledge had an indirect effect on practice. Knowledge also had a direct effect on practice (β = 0.310, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dentists in Jiangsu province had sufficient knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice with regard to digital dental technologies. However, policies should encourage dentists to integrate digital technologies into their practice by establishing sufficient understanding and positive attitudes.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Guardians of Boys Toward Concealed Penis

Background and Objective

Concealed penis (CP) is a condition involving a congenital abnormality of the external genitalia, wherein the penile shaft is partially or completely obscured by surrounding skin tissues, negatively affecting the psychological and physical health of children. The guardians, who are primarily responsible for the daily care of children, play a crucial role in the early detection of this condition. Therefore, this study aims to explore knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward CP among guardians of young boys; results would provide a theoretical basis for the development of health education programs.

Methods

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among guardians of boys in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, local hospital between June 2023 and September 2023. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of the guardians and to assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward CP.

Results

A total of 394 questionnaires were collected. Among the guardians, 143 (36.29%) of them were male, 375 (95.18%) were the parents of the children, 279 (70.81%) had a junior college or bachelor's degree, and 46 (11.68%) reported their children had CP. The knowledge, attitudes and practices scores were 4.00±2.00 (possible range: 0-7), 35.63±3.40 (possible range: 9-45), and 23.03±6.97 (possible range: 9-45), respectively. The structural equation model demonstrated that knowledge had direct effects on attitudes (β=0.63, p<0.001), and practices (β=0.81, p<0.001). Moreover, attitudes had direct effects on practices (β=0.43, p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study found insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, but poor practices toward the CP in guardians of boys, especially among participants from rural areas of families with lower income. It is recommended to tailor educational initiatives and implement strategies to bridge the knowledge-practice gap toward concealed penis in boys.

Knowledge, attitude, and willingness toward breast magnetic resonance imaging screening among women at high risk of breast cancer in Beijing, China

BACKGROUND

Annual breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly recommended to assist mammography for women at high risk of breast cancer (BC). This study explored the knowledge, attitude, and willingness toward breast MRI screening among women at high risk of BC.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled women at high risk of BC between August 2022 and January 2023 in Beijing, China. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships among knowledge, attitude, and willingness.

RESULTS

A total of 596 questionnaires were collected, and 412 questionnaires (69.13%) were valid. The women's knowledge and attitude scores were 7.75 ± 2.79 (possible range: 0-12) and 48.53 ± 6.31 (possible range: 13-65). Among the women, 297 (72.09%) were willing to undergo regular breast MRI screening. The SEM showed that knowledge had direct effect on attitude [β = 0.77, 95% CI: (0.57, 0.98), P < 0.001], the attitude had direct effect on willingness [β = 0.02, 95% CI: (0.01, 0.02), P < 0.001], knowledge had an indirect effect on willingness through attitude [β = 0.01, 95% CI: (0.01,0.02), P < 0.001], and the direct effect of knowledge on practice was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The women at high risk of BC had insufficient knowledge and a relatively positive attitude toward breast MRI screening. Most of them were willing to undergo regular breast MRI screening. Advertising and public health education programs should be designed to improve their knowledge and attitude, therefore improving their willingness and practice.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer among oncologists in China: A survey study

This cross-sectional survey study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for rectal cancer (RC) among specialists in Hainan Province, China. RC specialists working in Hainan Province (China) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between March and June 2023. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect the participants' characteristics and KAP toward TNT for RC. A total of 279 valid questionnaires were collected. The KAP scores were 15.91 ± 6.02 (possible range: 0-24), 34.16 ± 5.11 (possible range: 10-50), and 12.42 ± 1.83 (possible range: 3-15), respectively. The KAP scores of specialists who had applied TNT in clinical practice or research and had evaluated RC patients treated with TNT were significantly higher than those who had not (all P < 0.05). The structural equation model showed that knowledge of TNT directly affected attitude (β = 0.292, P = 0.007) and practice (β = 0.912, P = 0.007), and attitude toward TNT also had a direct effect on practice (β = 1.047, P = 0.008). In conclusion, RC specialists in Hainan (China) had inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes, and sufficient practice toward TNT in Hainan Province, China. It is necessary to enhance education for RC specialists to improve their knowledge and attitude toward TNT.

Oncotype DX in Breast Cancer Management: Insights and Outcomes From the United Arab Emirates

Introduction Breast cancer remains the most significant cancer affecting women worldwide, with an increasing incidence, especially in developing regions. The introduction of genomic tests like Oncotype DX has revolutionized personalized treatment, allowing for more tailored approaches to therapy. This study focuses on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, aiming to assess the predictive accuracy of the Oncotype DX test in categorizing patients based on recurrence risk. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 95 breast cancer patients diagnosed at Tawam Hospital between 2013 and 2017 who underwent Oncotype DX testing. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment details, and Oncotype DX scores were collected. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the chi-square goodness of fit test assessing the model's adequacy. Results The cohort's age range was 27-71 years, with a mean age of 50, indicating a significant concentration of cases in the early post-menopausal period. The Oncotype DX analysis classified 55 patients (57.9%) as low risk, 29 (30.5%) as medium risk, and 11 (11.6%) as high risk of recurrence. The majority, 73 patients (76.8%), did not receive chemotherapy, highlighting the test's impact on treatment decisions. The survival analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in recurrence rates across the Oncotype DX risk categories (p = 0.268231). Conclusion The Oncotype DX test provides a valuable genomic approach to categorizing breast cancer patients by recurrence risk in the UAE. While the test influences treatment decisions, particularly the use of chemotherapy, this study did not find a significant correlation between Oncotype DX risk categories and actual recurrence events. These findings underscore the need for further research to optimize the use of genomic testing in the UAE's diverse patient population and enhance personalized treatment strategies in breast cancer management.

Knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among breast cancer patients in Damascus, Syria

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) represents an important cause of cancer death, its incidence rate has been rising gradually in the Arab world, and in Syria, BC is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death; its prognosis gets better as we detect it early in its first stages. So, it is very important to implement one or more early detection methods such as Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), and mammography. BSE represents an effective method to find out changes in breast structure when they happen. This study investigates the knowledge of BSE and its practice in BC patients.

METHODS

A quantitative cross-sectional study in Al-Bairouni hospital in Damascus-Syria was carried out using face-to-face interviews based on a structured questionnaire, which consisted of 4 sections. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using various analytical tests, including the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Five hundred patients were interviewed. Only 27.4% of patients had a good knowledge of BSE, 17.4% had average knowledge, and 55.2% had low knowledge of BSE. The factors that have an impact on the knowledge of BSE were: family breast cancer history (first and second-degree relatives), education, and the region of living (between governorates). The effect of knowledge of BSE on its practice was positive. However, only 24.8% of patients have been practicing BSE; the reasons for not practicing BSE were: no one has told the patient about it (64.8% of cases), and the patient does not have any symptoms relating to the breast (21.4%).Breast cancer was identified through breast self-examination (BSE) in 15.6% of cases.

CONCLUSION

There is a low degree of knowledge and little practice of BSE among Syrian breast cancer patients. Family breast cancer history, governate, occupation, and level of education had a statistically significant effect on knowledge scores of BSE, unlike age and social status. So, some steps should be taken to increase awareness about BSE among Syrian females.

Breast cancer knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among Palestinian female, West Bank: A cross-sectional study

Background

Worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently discovered tumor in women. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a helpful screening method that gives women more control over their bodies by educating them about the structures of their breasts and assisting in the early detection of any developing breast abnormalities. The purpose of this research was to assess Palestinian girls' degree of BSE awareness and practice.

Method

A self-administered questionnaire was used to gauge participants' knowledge about BC and associated topics. Through an online survey, all girls above the age of 20 are encouraged to take part in the study. Female university students at academic levels I, II, III, and IV in Palestine were also invited to participate in the study by way of an online survey.

Results

The study included 467 female participants, with 69% of the individuals being single. The majority of females (68.7%) scored poorly on knowledge of BC disease (possible risk, methods of detection, methods of diagnosis, methods of treatment, signs and symptoms, information about mammography, and other knowledge questions), whereas only 31.7% scored well.

Conclusion

BC, which is thought to be the most common malignant development among them and the second leading cause of cancer mortality, is one of the issues that women in the West Bank face. Screening methods are crucial for the early detection of BC and for lowering disease-related morbidity and mortality. It has been advised that starting at age 20, every woman should take the BSE.

Awareness of Palestinian Women About Breast Cancer Risk Factors: A National Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess awareness of Palestinian women about breast cancer (BC) age-related and lifetime risks and its risk factors and to identify factors associated with good awareness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult women were recruited from government hospitals, primary health care centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates in Palestine. Recognition of 14 BC risk factors was assessed using a translated-into-Arabic version of the validated BC awareness measure. The level of BC risk factor awareness was determined on the basis of the number of risk factors recognized: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-14).

RESULTS

Of 6,269 potential participants approached, 5,434 agreed and completed the questionnaire (response rate = 86.7%). A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included: 2,706 from the West Bank and Jerusalem and 2,551 from the Gaza Strip. Only 173 participants (3.3%) recognized the age-related risk of BC. More than one quarter (n = 1,465; 27.9%) recognized the lifetime risk of BC. The most recognized modifiable risk factor was not breastfeeding (n = 4,937; 93.9%), whereas the least recognized was having children later on in life or not at all (n = 1,755; 33.4%). The most recognized nonmodifiable risk factor was radiation exposure (n = 4,579; 87.1%), whereas the least recognized was starting the periods at an early age (n = 1,030; 19.6%). In total, 2,024 participants (38.4%) demonstrated good BC risk factor awareness. Participants from the Gaza Strip had a higher likelihood than participants from the West Bank and Jerusalem to have good awareness (42.0% v 35.2%). Age ≥ 40 years, postsecondary education, and visiting hospitals and primary health care centers were all associated with an increase in the likelihood of having good BC risk factor awareness.

CONCLUSION

The awareness of BC risk factors was suboptimal. These findings highlight the need for implementing health education programs combined with consistent use of ad hoc opportunities to raise awareness by health care providers.