Detail Cantuman

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Breast self-examination (BSE) is the most sensitive and cost-
effective method to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage in healthcare
resources’ limited setting. However, the practice of BSE is low in Myanmar.
Although various international studies were conducted to clarify the influencing
factors in irregular BSE practice, there is a range of different factors and the
answer is not yet clear. Hence, this study is aimed to explore the influencing
factors on the practice of breast self-examination among Myanmar women.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory-descriptive study was conducted on eight
women through in-depth semi-structured interviews between February 2020
and March 2020. The samples were women who lived in the rural area of
Myanmar and purposive sampling technique was used. Data were analyzed
using Colaizzi’s method, which consisted of seven stages.
Results: Four themes emerged as the results of the in-depth interview, namely
knowledge of breast cancer, knowledge regarding breast self-examination,
barriers to performing regular BSE and ways to improve BSE practice.
Conclusion: This study showed that the women were inadequate in knowledge
and practice regarding BSE and breast cancer. Some barriers of BSE practice are
rooted in the inadequate skill of BSE and the women’s attitude. Greater
understanding about breast cancer and improving the confidence of women in
BSE will lead to better prognosis. Hence, healthcare authorities and providers
should encourage a formal health education program and the results from this
study hope to be useful in future rural health education programs of BSE
practice.