Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Practice of Breast Cancer Screening Among Female Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Like other countries with a high risk of female breast cancer, Malaysia has the second highest cancer death rate in South-East Asia. Breast cancer screening helps to identify cancer before the onset of symptoms and reduces the breast cancer mortality rate. Female healthcare professionals may significantly influence the public regarding breast cancer screening. This study aims to identify the knowledge of breast cancer and the practice of breast cancer screening among female healthcare professionals. A cross-sectional study was conducted among female healthcare professionals in Malaysia through convenience sampling. The questionnaire included socio-demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, and the practice of breast cancer screening. A total of 390 female healthcare professionals participated in this study. The mean age of the participants was 37.7 (SD = 9.1) years. Most participants have good knowledge (n = 378, 96.9%). A total of e participants reported that they have been practicing breast self-examination (BSE), 14.9% had undergone clinical breast examination (CBE), and 12.6% had undergone mammography. Independent sample t-test revealed a significant association between knowledge of breast cancer and the practice of breast cancer screening. Even though the knowledge of breast cancer is high among female healthcare professionals, but most do not practice breast cancer screening. Hence, there is still a need to promote the practice of BSE, CBE, and mammography among female healthcare professionals, thus influencing the public.