Level of Breast Cancer Awareness on Fourth-Year Female

Level of Breast Cancer Awareness on Fourth-year Female College

Students of USC-TC

Table of Contents Rationale of the Study Statement of the Problem Significance of the Study Scope and Delimination of the Study Theoretical Framework Research Methodology

› Statistical Treatment of Data› Parameter

Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis of Data

Conclusion

Introduction

Rationale

The study is all about breast cancer. According to the DOH, breast cancer is the

second leading site for both sexes in the Philippines. The Philippines ranks as the highest

leading incidence of breast cancer in whole Asia. Most women are prone to breast cancer

than men; the factors associated with the development of breast cancer are family (first

degree) history, early menarche, and late age of pregnancy or never had children, high

fat diet and age over 30 years. This is the most common cause of the death in women.

Recently, most respondents of the knowledge, attitude, and practice survey claimed that

they will consult the physician if they find signs and symptoms in their breast in order to

prevent the cancer. Breast cancer can be treated if they have the knowledge, attitude

and practice of the important information about reproductive age.

In order to know the level of awareness on breast cancer, we need to study to be able

to evaluate the extent of knowledge about the risk factors that could lead to breast

cancer.

Statement of the ProblemThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of breast cancer awareness of the fourth year female college students at the University of San Carlos Technological Center.The study would like to find out the following:

What is the profile of the respondents?› Age› Nationality› Civil Status› Heredo-familial disease

 What is the level of knowledge of the respondents on the:

› Risk factors that could lead to breast cancer› Signs and symptoms of breast cancer› Diagnostic procedures for breast cancer› Treatment of breast cancer patients› Preventive measure in lowering the risk for breast cancer

 What possible strategies, as perceived by the respondents, can best improve

the level of breast cancer awareness among fourth year female college students?

Significance of the StudyAwareness in breast cancer is an important role to promote a woman’s health. According to the survey of the DOH, there are many happenings wherein awareness in breast cancer is a prerequisite to every woman.

From this study the readers especially the college students will be able to identify as to what level of breast cancer awareness they are in. And they will be able to find ways that would improve their level of awareness in breast cancer starting from the basic.

The study will aid the teachers to emphasize the importance of the topic and educate the important aspects of breast cancer.

The study will able the respondents to assess themselves on their own health and to make awareness in breast cancer an integral part to promote their health status.

The study can provide the health and workers of the USC-TC school clinic the basis of breast cancer education to be treated in their repertory of school programs and activities for the leveling up of the awareness in breast cancer of the young adult clients.

On the policy-makers of the USC, the data will serve as a point of reference for the improvements and strategies needed to address the incidence of breast cancer caused, in part, by the actions of unaware young adult citizen.

This study will enable the nursing students to focus on specific points to address. Since nurses serve as a bridge between the patient and physician, patient teaching is a vital tool in the process.

This program are modified according to the level of awareness of the students for whom these studies are planned.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Subject DelimitationThe study was limited to fourth year female college students of

Batch 2005-2006 of the USC-TC. Out of the total population of 448 students, only 20% which is 101 students, was included as respondents in this study. The college of Pharmacy, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Architecture and Fine Arts, College of Engineering and College of Nursing are the colleges included in the study.

 Place Delimitation

The study was conducted at the USC-TC, located at Talamban, Cebu City, Cebu Province.

Time Delimination

The study was conducted within the Second Semester of School Year 2005-2006, where the research proper was started from December 28, 2005 to March 20, 2006 while the survey was done from February 20, 2006 to March 15, 2006.

THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK

Nowadays, breast will make more women feminine and physically attractive and

makes as sex material of some men through in their mind. Breast cancer is the known

leading cause of death in which all women are at risk in getting breast cancer. It

increases the risk of a person gets older. It usually occurs in a left breast part maybe

because it is larger than right breast.

The factor that increases the risk in getting breast cancer is the following: faulty

genes or family history of breast cancer (includes mother, father, sisters, daughters and

immediate relatives), environmental factors, combination of abnormal genes, smoking,

excessive weight, prolonged exposure of estrogen, abnormal breast cell growth,

pregnancy after age 30, never having a full- term pregnancy, heavy alcohol use, early

start of menstruation and late menopause.

The factor that decreases the factors in getting breast cancer are the following:

eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, losing extra weight, regular exercise and

reducing alcohol use. In short, one must not have vices and must have a healthy

lifestyle.

In avoiding to have a breast cancer, the most effective way is to detect it early through mammography and clinical breast exam by the health professional and to have a breast self- examination, which will be examined one a month, three to five days after the period ends. If a woman already had a menopause, the breast examination should be performed still on the same day of each month. If one is detected early with breast cancer, 90 to 95% of women are healthy 10 years later.

The warning signs of the breast cancer are the following: lump in the breast, unusual change in size and shape of the breast, one breast is unusually lower than the other breast, puckering of the skin of the breast, new dimpling in the nipple, discharge or bleeding from nipple, change in skin of the nipple, enlarged lymph nodes at the neck.

Through the mass media, awareness and early detection is presented, openly discussed the information of breast cancer to the public to correct the misconceptions of the masses about the breast cancer. And through the nurses, they have the responsibility to conduct a health teaching to the public about the normal breasts, breast diseases and to inform everyone, that it is curable if detected early.

Thus, the study of breast cancer will allow everyone to be aware on how to prevent and what re the warning signs of the breast cancer. This research is to measure the awareness of fourth year female students of University of San Carlos- Technological Center to evaluate their level of awareness of breast cancer.

Demographic Variables (young adults (19- 26), females, Filipinos ,

diet)Sociopsychologic Variables

(students, peer and reference- group pressure, expectations from

others)Structural Variable (knowledge

about the disease, prior contact with the disease)

Perceive threat of disease x

Cues to action Mass media campaigns Advice from others Reminder postcard from physician or dentist Illness of family member or friend Newspaper or magazine article

Likelihood of taking recommended

preventive health action

Perceived benefits of preventive

measures on breast cancer

minusPerceived barriers

to preventive action

Perceived susceptibility to

disease x Perceived seriousness of

disease x

Individual Perception Modifying Factors Likely of Action

Figure 1: Rosenstock & Becker’s Health Belief Model

Model/ Schema

Figure 2.Modified Model of Rosentock and Becker’s Health Belief Model

From Rosentock and Becker’sHealth Belief model:Structural Variables:

Knowledge of the disease (risk factors, warning signs, diagnostic procedures, treatment, prevention

measures)

Incidence of Breast Cancer disease in the family

Level of Breast Cancer Awareness

Recommendations To Improve Breast Cancer Awareness

Research MethodologyThe researches used a non-experimental descriptive type of research design. This

was used to determine the breast cancer awareness of the fourth year female

college students of USC-TC, Batch 2005-2006. A total of 101 participants were

included in the study. The researchers use clustering and convenience type of

sampling technique in which at least 20% of the total populations of each college

were selected to represent in the said study.

To start their research, the researchers wrote a letter of consent from all Deans in

the Department of USC-TC, signed by the level III Chairman and the Dean of USC of

Nursing. After asking permission, the Dean of each Department approved their

letters and the researchers scheduled the distribution of the questionnaires to the

selected participants of the fourth year female college students of USC-TC. After

retrieving the entire questionnaire, the answers were collected and the results were

tabulated and interpreted.

The researchers formulated semi-structured type of

questionnaire to test the level of awareness of the fourth year

students of USC-TC. It is consisted of three parts: First part

determines the respondent’s profile according to their age,

nationality, civil status and herodo-familial disease. The second part

consisted questions that is based on the risk factors that could lead

to breast cancer, its clinical manifestations, its early detection, its

treatment and preventive measures of breast cancer. The last part

was an essay type of question that determines the respondent’s own

perception or suggestion as to the possible strategies that can best

improve their level of awareness in breast cancer.

Statistical Treatment of Data The following formulas were used as tools for computing and interpreting the results of the

questionnaires.

To get the percentage, we use the formula:  

Percentage = __ ƒ__ X 100 N

To get the average score for each table, we used the following formula: 

X = ∑x - ∑y N

To get the overall average score, we used this formula: 

X = ∑x N

Where: ƒ = frequencyN = total number of respondents

Where: x = percentage for each correct answer in the tabley = percentage for each incorrect answer in the tableN = total number of correct items in the table

Where: x = score (percentage)N = number of x

PARAMETER 

Below shows parameters utilized in this study to determine level of awareness on breast

cancer.

A. Percentage of Correct Answers and its Corresponding Level of Awareness

80.0%-100% Very Good

60.0%-79.9% Good

40.0%-59.9% Fair

20.0%-39.9% Poor

0.0%-19.9% Very Poor

B. Percentage of Incorrect Answers and its Corresponding Level of Awareness

80.0%-100% Very Poor

60.0%-79.9% Poor

40.0%-59.9% Fair

20.0%-39.9% Good

0.0%-19.9% Very Good

Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis of Data

The contents of this section pertain on the interpretation and analysis of data obtained from fourth year female college students in USC-TC.

Table 1.1POPLATION TABLE

Legend:CON = College of NursingCOP = College of Pharmacy CAFA = College of Architecture and Fine ArtsCOE = College of EngineeringCAS = College of Arts and Sciences Table 1.1 indicates that from 101 participants, College of Nursing have 30 (29.7%)

students, College of Pharmacy with 13 (12.9%), CAFA with 14 (13.9%), COE with 32 (37.7%), and from CAS 12 (11.9%) students.

Colleges ƒ %CON 30 29.7COP 13 12.9CAFA 14 13.9COE 32 31.7CAS 12 11.9TOTAL 101 100

Table 1.2

AGE OF RESPPONDENTS

The respondents aging 19-20 years old are 61 (60.4%) students, 21-22 years

old are 38 (37.6%) students, 23-24 years old are 2 (2.0%) students.

Table 1.3

CIVIL STATUS OF THE RESPONDENTS

All the respondents (100%) are single in status.

Age ƒ %19-20 61 60.421-22 38 37.623-24 2 2.0TOTAL 101 100

Civil Status ƒ %Single 101 100Married 0 0Others 0 0TOTAL 101 100

Civil Status ƒ %Single 101 100

Married 0 0Others 0 0TOTAL 101 100

Table 1.4NATIONALITY OF THE RESPONDENTS

There are 100 (99%) Filipino citizen respondents and only 1 (1%) dual citizen.

Table 1.5

HEREDO-FAMILIAL DISEASES OF THE RESPONDENTS

Respondents who claimed that they have heredo-familial disease of: hypertension-57 (56.4%); DM-47 (46.5%); Breast Cancer-9 (8.9%); cancer(not specified)-8 (7.9%); Asthma-6 (5.9%); leukemia-4 (4.0%); maxillary and sinus cancer-3 (3.0%); lung cancer-2 (2.0%); kidney disorder-2 (2.0%); Esophageal Cancer, uterine cancer, anemia, myasthenia gravis, sinusitis, insomnia, goiter, bone cancer, allergies, arthritis, and liver cancer-1 (1.0%).

DISEASES ƒ %Cancer (not specified) 8 7.9Breast Cancer 9 8.9Leukemia 4 4.0Cancer 3 3.0Maxillary and Sinus Cancer 3 3.0Lung Cancer 2 2.0Bone Cancer 1 1.0Esophageal Cancer 1 1.0Liver Cancer 1 1.0Uterine Cancer 1 1.0Diabetes Mellitus 47 46.5Hypertension 57 56.4Asthma 6 5.9Kidney Disorder 2 2.0Allergies 1 1.0Anemia 1 1.0Anemia 1 1.0Goiter 1 1.0Insomnia 1 1.0Myasthenia Gravis 1 1.0Sinusitis 1 1.0

Table 2LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF THE RESPONDENTS IN IDENTIFYING CORRECT AND

INCORRECT RISK FACTORS OF BREAST CANCER

Legend: VG = very good G = good F = fair P = poorVP = very poor 

The number of person who has very good level of awareness on the family history of breast cancer is 86.1% (87). Person who has fair level of awareness on answered alcoholism and smoking is 45.5% (46), and high fat diet is 40.6% (41). People who are age 30 have poor level of awareness. 32 (31.7%) persons answered never had a child and 25 (24.8%) persons answered having early menstruation, with interpretation of both poor.

Risk Factors ƒ % InterpretationFor Correct Risk Factors:Having early menstruation 25 24.8 PHaving late pregnancy 23 22.8 PHigh fat diet 41 40.6 FFamily history of breast cancer 87 86.1 VGAge over 30 years old 34 33.7 PNever had children 32 31.7 PAlcoholism and smoking 46 45.5 FBeing obese 21 20.8 PLate menopausal 18 17.8 VPExposure to radiation 2 2.0 VPFor Incorrect Risk Factors:Having a silicone breast implant 78 77.2 PWired bras 3 3.0 VGPhysical Injury 1 1.0 VG

Another persons who has poor awareness are the persons answered having late pregnancy (22.8%) and being obese (20.8%). Persons who has very poor level of awareness on late menopausal has 17.8% (18 responders) and 2 (2.0%) answered exposure to radiation. 78 responders (77.2%) answered having a silicone breast implant as a risk factor of breast cancer and they are interpreted as poor level of awareness. The person who has a very good level of awareness for wired bras and physical injury is 3 (3.0%) and 1(1%).

Table 3

Level of Awareness of Respondents in Identifying Correct and Incorrect Warning

Signs of Breast Cancer

Very good level of awareness is interpreted by 90 (89.1%) responders who are aware that a lump in the breast is a warning sign of breast cancer. 62 (61.4%) has a good level of awareness who are aware that an unusual change in size and shape of the breast same as 61 (60.4%) answered aware of that a discharge in nipple is a warning sign. 57 (56.4%) has a fair level of awareness who answered that a presence of lumps/ masses at the neck or under the arm is a warning sign. 37 (36.6%) responders has a good level of awareness who answered sudden color change in the skin of the breast as a warning sign.

WARNING SIGNS ƒ % InterpretationFor Correct Warning Signs:Lump in the breast 90 89.1 VGAn unusual change in size and shape of breast 62 61.4 GNew dimpling in the nipple 36 35.6 PA discharge in the nipple 61 60.4 GPresence of lumps/masses at the neck or under the arm

57 56.4 F

Swelling if the upper arm 26 25.7 PSudden itch on the breast 14 13.9 VPFor Incorrect Warning Signs:One breast is usually lower than the other 23 22.8 GA fold or cease in the skin of the breast 22 21.8 GSudden odor change in the skin of the breast 37 36.6 GMole in the breast 11 10.9 VG

36 respondents or 35.6% has poor level of awareness who answered new dimpling in the nipple. Same as 26 (25.7%) respondents who answered swelling of the upper arm. 23 (22.8%) respondents has good level of awareness who answered on breast usually lower than the other and the same as 22 (21.8%) respondents answered a fold or crease in the skin of the breast. 11 ( 10.9%) of respondents has a good level of awareness who answered a mole in the breast. 14 or 13.9% has a very poor level of awareness who answered sudden itch on the breast.

Table 4Level of Awareness of Respondents in Identifying Correct and Incorrect Diagnostic

Procedures of Breast Cancer

Respondents who identify correct and incorrect diagnostic procedure for breast cancer are 76 (75.2%)-mammography, 73 (72.3%)-clinical breast examination, and 68 (67.3%)-breast self examination, that is interpreted as good level of awareness. 54 (53.5%)-biopsy, 22 (21.8%)-CT scan, and 15 (14.9%)-MRI, which interpreted as fair, poor and very poor level of awareness respectively; 23 (22.8%)-lymphangiography which interpretation of level of awareness as good; 17 (16.8%), 4 (4.0%), and 1 (1.0%) for ultrasound, Bence-Jones protein test, and radiation correspondingly, that interpreted as very good level of awareness.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES ƒ % InterpretationFor Correct Diagnostic Procedures:Biopsy 54 53.5 FClinical Breast Examination 73 72.3 GCT Scan 22 21.8 PMammography 76 75.2 GBreast Self-Examination 68 67.3 GMagnetic Resonance Imaging 15 14.9 VPFor Incorrect Diagnostic Procedures:Ultrasound 17 16.8 VGBence-Jones Protein Test 4 4.0 VGLymphangiography 23 22.8 GRadiation 1 1.0 VG

Table 5Level of Awareness of the Respondents in Identifying Correct

and Incorrect Treatment Interventions of Breast Cancer

83 (82.2%) has a very good level of awareness who answered chemotherapy as treatment for breast cancer. 72 (71.3%), 27 (26.7%) and 3 (3.0%) has an interpretation of good, poor and very poor level of awareness who answered mastectomy, hormonal therapy and radiation. 28 (27.7%) interpreted as good level of awareness for answering biopsy.

INTERVENTION ƒ % Interpretation

For Correct Treatment Intervention:

Chemotherapy 83 82.2 VG

Hormonal therapy 27 26.7 P

Mastectomy 72 71.3 G

Radiation 3 3.0 VP

For Incorrect Treatment Intervention:

Biopsy 28 27.7 G

Table 6Level of Awareness of the Respondents in Identifying Correct and

Incorrect Preventive Ways of Lowering Risk of Breast Cancer

97 (96.0%) respondents interpreted as very good level of awareness for answering breast self-exam once a month as a best way of lowering the risk of breast cancer. 42 (41.6%) and 42 (41.6%) is interpreted as fair level of awareness who answered aerobic exercises and limitation in drinking alcoholic beverages. 35 (34.7%) and 32 (31.7%) interpreted as poor level of awareness for answering breastfeeding and not regularly eating smoked foods.

PREVENTIVE WAYS ƒ % Interpretation For Correct :Breast self-exam 97 96 VGAvoiding contact sport 23 22.8 P

Breastfeeding 35 34.7 P

Not regularly eating smoked foods 32 31.7 P

Limit drinking alcoholic beverages 42 41.6 F

Aerobic exercise 42 41.6 F

For Incorrect :Chest x-ray once a month 17 16.8 VG

Smoking only one pack of cigarette a day 6 5.9 VGEating a high fat diet 11 10.9 VG

Taking estrogen for cancer prevention 19 18.8 VG

19 (18.8%) and 17 (16.8%) interpreted as very good level of awareness for answering taking estrogen for breast cancer prevention and chest x-ray once a month. 11 (10.9%) respondents and 6 (5.9%) interpreted as very good level of awareness for answering eating high fat diet and smoking only one pack of cigarette a day.

Table 7RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE RESPONDENTS ON WAYS THAT WILL

BEST IMPROVE THEIR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Out of 10 respondents 37 (36.6%) recommends seminar/symposiums as ways that will best improve their breast cancer awareness. While 33 (32.7%) recommends information educational materials: 17 (16.8%) for advertisements through mass media; 12 (11.9%) for regular check-up; and lastly 12 (11.9%) on health teachings/lectures.

RECOMMENDATIONS ƒ %Seminars/ symposiums 37 36.6Information education materials (brochures, posters, bulletin boards, etc.)

33 32.7

Advertisements through mass media 17 16.8Regular check-up(either by self, doctor, or other health care team member)

12 11.9

Health teachings/Lectures 12 11.9

Table 8OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE

Generally, the female fourth year college students of USC-TC have poor breast cancer awareness, with a result of 35.72%.

TABLES % Evaluation

Table2: Risk Factors of breast cancer 24.5 P

Table3: Warning signs of breast cancer 35.8 P

Table4: Diagnostic procedures of breast cancer 43.4 F

Table5: Treatment interventions of breast cancer 38.9 P

Table6: Preventive ways of lowering risk of breast cancer 36.0 P

TOTAL AVERAGE 35.72 P

 The female fourth year college students respondents of USC-TC are

mostly 19-20 years old with a Filipino citizenship and a single in status. Among the respondents hypertension is the most common heredo-familial disease.

 According to the findings, many of the respondents have an average

of poor level of awareness, specifically on their knowledge on the risk factors, warning signs of breast cancer, its treatment intervention, and ways of preventing to lower the risk of breast cancer ever though they have a fair of awareness on the diagnostic procedures.

 Strategies are important in improving the knowledge about breast

cancer. For the respondents the ways are to conduct: 1.) seminar/symposium, 2.) information education materials like magazines pertaining breast cancer and 3.) advertisement through mass media like commercials promoting breast cancer prevention.

Conclusion

End

Reported by:

Cero, Paola MarizLicos, JhocelManingo, Maureen JoyceNoel, Lafayette KirsiWagas, Angeli