Evaluation of Knowledge Regarding Breast Cancer and Its Early Detection Through Breast Self-Examination Among Nursing Students
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Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is a major public health concern among women in Pakistan, and breast self-examination (BSE) remains a practical, low-cost strategy for improving breast awareness and encouraging early health-seeking behavior. Nursing students are expected to possess adequate knowledge of breast cancer and BSE because of their future role in patient education and preventive health promotion. Objective: To assess knowledge regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination among female nursing students at the School of Nursing, Ali Fatima Hospital, Lahore. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from January to April 2026 among third-year, fourth-year, and internship-level female nursing students. A total of 65 participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected through an online structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and knowledge of breast cancer and BSE. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and findings were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Results: Most participants were aged 18–22 years (58.5%), and all were unmarried. Fourth-year students represented the largest academic group (46.2%), followed by internship students (27.7%) and third-year students (26.2%). More than half of the participants had a GPA of 3.5–3.99 (53.8%). Overall, 51 students (78.5%) had poor knowledge, 1 student (1.5%) had satisfactory knowledge, and 13 students (20.0%) had good knowledge. Conclusion: Most nursing students demonstrated inadequate knowledge regarding breast cancer and BSE, highlighting the need for structured breast cancer education, awareness sessions, and practical BSE training within nursing curricula
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