KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG WOMEN ADMITTED AT A PRIVATE CLINIC

Monthly breast self-examination (BSE) is an extremely important part of health care for all women in every stage of life as a primary tool in the prevention of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of BSE among women at a private clinic in Zimbabwe. A non-experimental cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. The accessible population was one hundred women admitted to the selected private clinic. Data collection was done using a questionnaire which consisted of three parts: socio- demographic characteristics, knowledge about BSE and practices of BSE. Data obtained was analysed using EPI INFO version 3.3.2.

Results showed that respondents were knowledgeable about breast cancer early warning signs and symptoms and BSE. About 28% of the respondents were aware of when to initiate BSE and 74% performed BSE, but their practice was poor. Educational materials should be freely available at hospitals and schools to enhance BSE awareness.

KEY CONCEPTS

Breast cancer; breast self-examination practices; knowledge.