Including the material of aware

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 93 views

Understanding BSE: The Level of Knowledge and Attitudes of USU FH Female Students in Detecting Breast Cancer Early

Introduction

Breast cancer is a scourge that affects women worldwide, with a high incident rate and most cases being detected in an advanced stage. However, early detection through self-breast examination (BSE) can significantly increase the chances of healing. In Indonesia, it is recommended that all women, including students, perform BSE since the age of 20 years. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of the Faculty of Law students at the University of North Sumatra (FH USU) towards BSE as a method of early detection of breast cancer.

Background

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. In Indonesia, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with a high mortality rate. Early detection is crucial in reducing the mortality rate, and BSE is a simple and effective method of early detection. However, many women, including students, are not aware of the importance of BSE or do not perform it regularly.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive observational method with a cross-sectional design. Primary data was collected through online questionnaires given to FH USU students in the class of 2019-2020. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: knowledge and attitude towards BSE. The knowledge section consisted of 10 questions, and the attitude section consisted of 5 questions.

Results

The results showed that most USU FH students had sufficient knowledge about BSE. Of the 87 respondents, 49 (56.3%) had sufficient knowledge, 30 (34.5%) had good knowledge, and only 8 (9.2%) had less knowledge. In terms of attitude, 56 respondents (64.4%) had an excellent attitude towards BSE, while 31 respondents (35.6%) had a good attitude.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that USU FH students have a good awareness of the importance of BSE as a method of early detection of breast cancer. However, there are still some female students who have less knowledge. This is a serious concern, considering that adequate knowledge is very important to encourage women to perform BSE regularly.

Several factors that might affect the level of knowledge and attitudes of USU FH students include:

Lack of information: Students may not have received enough information about BSE, both from their family, school, or from health campaigns that were held.
Negative perception: There may be negative perceptions of BSE, such as shame or fear of finding a lump.
Lack of awareness: Some female students may consider breast cancer as a disease that is far from their reach and do not feel the need to perform BSE.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, here are some recommendations that can be made to increase student knowledge and attitudes about BSE:

Increasing education: Health campaigns and socialization about BSE need to be done intensively, both in the campus environment and at the community level.
Including the material of aware: Material about BSE can be integrated into the health education curriculum in Higher Education, especially in the field of reproductive health.
Increasing access to information: Campus can provide information that is easily accessible about BSE through the website, social media, or brochure.

Conclusion

Increasing knowledge and attitudes towards BSE is an important step in efforts to prevent and early breast cancer detection. With good knowledge and attitude, it is hoped that USU FH students can be more proactive in maintaining the health of their breasts and avoiding this deadly disease.

Limitation

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may not be representative of the entire population of USU FH students.
Self-reported data: The data collected in this study was self-reported, which may be subject to bias.

Future Research

Future research should aim to:

Increase the sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to make the results more representative of the entire population of USU FH students.
Use objective measures: Future studies should use objective measures to assess knowledge and attitudes towards BSE.
Explore the factors that affect knowledge and attitudes: Future studies should explore the factors that affect knowledge and attitudes towards BSE, such as socio-demographic factors, education level, and exposure to health campaigns.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix containing additional information, such as the questionnaire used in the study]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and Breast Cancer

Q: What is Breast Self-Examination (BSE)?

A: Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a simple and effective method of early detection of breast cancer. It involves checking your own breasts for any changes or abnormalities, such as lumps, swelling, or discharge.

Q: Why is BSE important?

A: BSE is important because it can help detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it is more treatable. Early detection can increase the chances of healing and reduce the risk of death from breast cancer.

Q: Who should perform BSE?

A: All women, including those who are 20 years old and above, should perform BSE regularly. This includes women who are at high risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease.

Q: How often should I perform BSE?

A: It is recommended to perform BSE once a month, on the same day of your menstrual cycle. This can help you become familiar with the normal changes in your breasts and detect any abnormalities more easily.

Q: What should I do if I find a lump or abnormality during BSE?

A: If you find a lump or abnormality during BSE, you should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They will perform a clinical breast examination and may recommend further tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to determine the cause of the lump or abnormality.

Q: What are the benefits of BSE?

A: The benefits of BSE include:

Early detection of breast cancer
Increased chances of healing
Reduced risk of death from breast cancer
Improved overall health and well-being

Q: What are the risks of BSE?

A: The risks of BSE are minimal, but they include:

Anxiety and stress caused by finding a lump or abnormality
False alarms, where a lump or abnormality is found but is not cancerous
Over-diagnosis, where a lump or abnormality is diagnosed as cancer when it is not

Q: Can BSE replace mammography?

A: No, BSE should not replace mammography. While BSE can help detect breast cancer in its early stages, mammography is a more effective method of detecting breast cancer, especially in women over 40 years old.

Q: How can I learn more about BSE and breast cancer?

A: You can learn more about BSE and breast cancer by:

Consulting a healthcare professional
Visiting the website of the American Cancer Society or other reputable health organizations
Attending health education programs or workshops
Talking to friends and family members who have experienced breast cancer

Q: What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

A: The risk factors for breast cancer include:

Family history of breast cancer
Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
Age, with the risk increasing after 40 years old
Radiation exposure
Hormone replacement therapy
Obesity

Q: Can breast cancer be prevented?

A: While there is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, such as:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Eating a balanced diet
Avoiding radiation exposure
Getting regular mammograms and clinical breast examinations

Q: What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

A: The symptoms of breast cancer include:

A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
Changes in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Redness or scaliness of the skin
Nipple discharge or tenderness
Changes in the nipple or areola

Q: What are the treatment options for breast cancer?

A: The treatment options for breast cancer include:

Surgery, such as mastectomy or lumpectomy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Hormone therapy
Targeted therapy

Q: Can breast cancer be cured?

A: While breast cancer cannot be completely cured, it can be treated and managed with the right treatment and care. The chances of healing depend on the stage and type of breast cancer, as well as the individual's overall health and well-being.