Breast cancer and self-examination education: Effects on adolescent knowledge levels

Objective: This study aimed to assess high school adolescent female students’ knowledge about breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) and to determine the impact of a structured education programme on knowledge levels. Method: The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental, single-group pretest–posttest design. A total of 178 female adolescents studying in the city centre of Bartın were included in the study. A two-part form measuring the participants’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge levels about breast cancer and BSE was used as the data collection tool. The education programme consisted of two modules, the first focusing on breast cancer awareness and the second on promoting knowledge of BSE, and was implemented face-to-face in the school setting. Results: Of the 178 individuals who participated in the study, 50.6% were in the ninth grade. The mean age of the adolescents was 14.8 ± 0.6 years, and their mean age at menarche was 12.4 ± 1.1 years. Following the education, a substantial enhancement was evident in the students’ knowledge of breast cancer (4.2 ± 1.3→6.8 ± 0.9), their awareness of misconceptions (2.1 ± 1.1→4.5 ± 0.8), their cognisance of screening and early diagnosis (2.8 ± 1.0→5.6 ± 0.7), their practices regarding BSE (1.9 ± 0.9→4.9 ± 0.8), and their total score (11.0 ± 2.6→21.8 ± 2.1) ( p < .001). Conclusion: The education programme significantly increased adolescent female students’ knowledge of breast cancer and BSE and raised awareness of early diagnosis and preventive health behaviours.