COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF BREAST HEALTH AND CANCER AWARENESS UNDERSTANDING SYMPTOM RECOGNITION AND BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG WOMEN IN INDIA, MALAYSIA, AND AFRICA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58676/sjmas.v4i3.162Keywords:
Early detection, Breast health education, Symptom recognition, Breast self-examination (BSE), Breast cancer awarenessAbstract
Background: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, with approximately 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths reported in 2022. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE), awareness of symptoms, and timely screening significantly improve outcomes. However, disparities in knowledge, cultural perceptions, and access to screening services affect breast health practices across different regions. This study aimed to assess breast health awareness, symptom recognition, and BSE practices among women from India, Malaysia, and Africa.
Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 69 non-pregnant women aged 18–45 years (mean age 24), primarily female students from Kursk State Medical University. Participants originated from India, Malaysia, and African countries. The structured questionnaire collected demographic data, menstrual history, family history of breast cancer, awareness of breast cancer risk factors, familiarity with BSE techniques, screening behaviors, and reported breast symptoms. Data were analyzed to compare awareness levels and preventive practices among the three regional groups.
Results: Indian women represented the largest proportion of participants (49.3%), followed by Malaysian (30%) and African women (21.7%). Familiarity with BSE was highest among Indian women (76.47%), followed by African (73.33%) and Malaysian women (65%). However, regular monthly BSE practice remained relatively low across all groups (23–26%). African participants showed higher utilization of imaging investigations (60%) and a greater prevalence of family history of breast cancer (13.33%). Malaysian women reported higher detection of breast lumps during BSE (15%), while African women reported higher rates of breast pain and nipple sensation changes. Most participants indicated willingness to seek medical consultation after detecting abnormalities.
Conclusion: Although awareness of breast self-examination exists among women in India, Malaysia, and Africa, the regular practice of BSE remains limited. Regional differences in screening utilization, symptom recognition, and health-seeking behavior highlight the need for targeted educational programs and culturally appropriate breast health interventions. Strengthening awareness campaigns, improving access to screening services, and promoting regular BSE practice may enhance early detection and reduce breast cancer burden globally.
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