Knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination among public-school teachers of Aurora province, Philippines

Abstract

Background and Objective: Breast cancer remains one of the top leading morbidity and mortality among women within the country and around the world. Breast self-examination has been considered as a safe and easy to perform screening procedure to detect breast lumps and swelling. This study was conducted to determine knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination among public-school teachers.

Methodology: A cross-sectional design was employed involving 348 professional teachers in Aurora,
Philippines in April 2019. Self-report questionnaire derived from literatures was used to generate
participants' knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentages and averages were used in data analysis.

Results: Majority of the participants are females (83.3%) whose age is between 31-40 years old (37.9%). Three hundred twenty-seven (94%) participants have knowledge on breast cancer while two hundred ninety four (84.48%) of them have knowledge on breast self-examination.

Conclusion: Professional teachers have knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination however, health care providers and concerned health agencies need to continue and enhance comprehensive health education about breast cancer and breast self-examination to teachers. It is essential that awareness program about these need to be integrated to teacher's training programs or professional development activities.

Published online: September 21, 2021