Arab Educational Information Network

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females in developed and non- developed countries. Early detection of breast cancer improves the survival rate and decrease morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess female university students' knowledge and practice about Breast Self-Examination (BSE) at Al Azhar University, Gaza Strip. The study was designed as a cross- sectional study and involved students in the third and fourth levels of the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences. The study involved the distribution of an interviewed questionnaire containing questions about knowledge and practice BSE in the period of 17th of October 2019 to 30th of October 2019. One hundred and ninety-students participated in the assessment. The participated students study at the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences; 34% at the nutrition department, 41.8% at the medical laboratory department, 6.2% at the medical imaging department, and 18% at the nursing department. The majority of the students have heard about BSE (90.7%). Students know about BSE from multiple sources; university students (58.2%), social media (43.8%), health professionals (24.7). Despite the students' awareness about BSE, few of them practicing it regularly in that only 33.5% had ever practiced it in their life. The students recognized some barriers that hinder their regular practicing. The most determined barriers by the participants are do not have breast problem and does not know how to do that. A training program about BSE among university students is highly recommended in order to empower them for regular and correct practicing. (Published abstract)