Teachers’ Knowledge, Beliefs and Practices of Breast Self-Examination in a City of Philippine: A Most Cost-Effective Tool for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a most cost-effective screening-tool for early-detection of breast cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate knowledge, beliefs and practices of BSE among teachers. It was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey conducted in Philippine in 2009. A standardized questionnaire was administered among 450 randomly selected different school-level teachers. Responses were 70% of which 50%, 42% and 8% from elementary, secondary and tertiary school-level teachers respectively. Thirty percent teachers were 11-20 years experienced. BSE knowledge on frequency, starting age and techniques varied from 60%-70%. Only 25% and 39% possessed accurate knowledge on BSE timing during regular and irregular menstruation and 45% knew right position for BSE. Believed to do BSE confidently were only 33%, although 65% motivated. Majority respondents were un-believable about breast cancer susceptibility. Of 73% BSE practiced respondents, only 17% and 24% practiced at recommended interval and time. Main reasons for not practicing BSE did not know how to do, report by 82% respondents. Participants’ knowledge, beliefs on BSE were good but practice was low. Planned integrated-educational programs by policy-makers, health care-providers and mass-media are necessary to promote BSE for early detection and management of breast cancer aimed to promote a healthy life.