Creencias y conocimientos relacionados a la práctica del autoexamen de mama en mujeres universitarias de Colombia: Un estudio descriptivo / Beliefs and knowledge related to the practice of Breast self-examination in Colombian university women: A descriptive study

RESUMEN Objetivo Estudios epidemiológicos han identificado el autoexamen de mama (AEM) y el conocimiento de los factores de riesgo como estrategias para la detección precoz del cáncer de mama. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia de la práctica del AEM e identificar los conocimientos de autocuidado y creencias relacionados al AEM en mujeres de Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos Estudio descriptivo y transversal, en 628 mujeres universitarias entre 18 y 30 años de edad, de Bogotá, Colombia. La práctica del AEM, el autocuidado y las creencias se recogieron por medio de una encuesta estructurada. Se calcularon prevalencias y se establecieron asociaciones mediante la construcción de modelos de regresión logística binaria. Resultados De la población evaluada, el 11,3% de las mujeres acusaron practicarse el AEM mensualmente en los últimos 12 meses. Tras ajustar por edad y estrato socioeconómico se observó que las participantes que recibieron información previa acerca de la detección temprana del cáncer de seno OR 2,76 (IC95% 1,29-5,91), que tenían conocimientos de la enfermedad OR 3,24 (IC95% 1,76-5,97) y que reportaron conocer el examen de mamografía OR 2,04 (IC95% 1,13-3,68); se asociaron como variables con la realización del AEM. Conclusión La práctica del AEM en la población estudiada fue baja y el conocimiento sobre los factores de riesgo del cáncer se asociaron positivamente con la práctica del AEM. Estos datos podrían utilizarse para ofrecer programas de intervención educativa entre las mujeres universitarias de Colombia.

ABSTRACT Objective Epidemiological evidences have identified both Breast-Self Examination (BSE) and the awareness about risk factors as early detection strategies for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of BSE and identify self-care knowledge and beliefs about BSE in women from Bogota, Colombia. Methods Cross-sectional study in 628 between 18 and 30 years old from Bogota, Colombia. BSE prevalence, self-care and beliefs were collected by structured survey. We estimated prevalence rates and association measures were calculated through logistic regression models. Results The 11.3% of the participants practiced BSE monthly in the last 12 months. After adjustments for age and socioeconomic status, participants whose received previous advice about early detection OR 2.76 (CI95% 1.29-5.91), had previous knowledge about the disease OR 3.24 (CI95% 1.76-5.97) and that reported to know about mammography OR 2.04 (CI95% 1.13-3.68), were associated with the practice of BSE. Conclusion The practice of BSE was low in the studied population and the levels of knowledge about risk factors were positively associated with the practice of BSE. These data could serve to offer educative intervention programs among young women from Colombia.

Breast self-exam and patient interval associate with advanced breast cancer and treatment delay in Mexican women.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare treatment intervals in breast cancer patients according to the detection method (breast self-exam vs screening). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis including 291 breast cancer patients at a Mexican tertiary referral hospital. RESULTS: Breast cancer detection method was mostly breast self-exam (60%). The median patient interval was 60.5 days, and was associated with marital status and socioeconomic level. Differences between the two groups were statistically significant for global interval, p = 0.002; however, health system interval was not statistically different. CONCLUSION: In our country, breast cancer screening is opportunistic, with several weaknesses within its management and quality systems. Our study showed that even in specialized health care centers, breast cancer is detected by self-exam in up to 2/3 of patients, which can explain the advanced stages at diagnosis in our country. In developing countries, the immediate health care access for breast cancer patients should be prioritized as an initial step to reduce the global treatment initiation interval in order to reduce mortality.

Autoexamen de mama en mujeres de la comunidad "19 de Abril" del municipio venezolano de Guanare / Breast self-exam in women of "19 de abril" community from the Venezuelan municipality of Guanare

Se efectuó un estudio observacional y descriptivo de 233 mujeres venezolanas de la comunidad 19 de abril del municipio Guanare, estado Portuguesa, desde enero hasta marzo del 2012, a fin de caracterizar a estas féminas según aspectos relacionados con el autoexamen de mama. Entre las variables analizadas figuraron: edad, fuentes de información sobre la autoexploración mamaria, práctica e importancia de este autoexamen. En la casuística predominaron el grupo etario de 40-49 años (28,3 %), las pacientes que realizaban la técnica de forma incompleta (74,1 %) y las que no ejecutaban este proceder (75,1 %). Entre las principales fuentes de información sobresalieron: promoción gráfica, familiares y amigos. La realización de estos exámenes de manera preventiva permite mejorar la calidad de vida y, en un porcentaje elevado, la curación de afecciones mamarias.

An observational and descriptive study of 233 Venezuelan women of "19 de abril" community in Guanare municipality, Portuguese state, from January to March, 2012, in order to characterize to these women according to aspects related to the breast self-exam. Among the analyzed variables there were: age, sources of information about the breast self-exploration, practice and importance of this self-exam. The age group 40-49 (28.3%), patients who carried out the technique in an incomplete way (74.1%) and those who did not practice this procedure (75.1%) prevailed in the case material. Among the main sources of information there were: graphic promotion, relatives and friends. Carrying out these exams in a preventive way allows to improve the life quality and, in a high percentage, the cure of breast disorders.

Análise das fontes de informação sobre os autoexames da mama disponíveis na Internet / Analysis of information sources about breast self examination available on the Internet

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as informações sobre autoexame da mama disponíveis ao público da internet. Método: Estudo descritivo documental, cujo universo foi composto pelos sites "Google®" e "Yahoo®", utilizando-se o descritor "autoexame de mama". Buscaram-se os 50 primeiros resultados. As páginas Web foram analisadas pelos critérios da American Medical Association e da Health on the Net. Resultados: Foram selecionadas e analisadas 68 páginas. A maioria dos sites era de domínio comercial, seis governamentais e cinco portugueses. Mais da metade tinham restrições quanto ao critério de autoridade e autoria; 61% não apresentavam meio de contato e 52,94% consideravam o autoexame como parte de um conjunto de medidas; 26,47% possuíam o conteúdo baseado em evidências, preciso e completo; 33,82% possuíam referências dos conteúdos. Páginas-Web governamentais, de instituições de saúde ou profissionais possuíam restrições com relação ao conteúdo ou apresentação. Conclusões: As informações sobre autoexame de mama são heterogêneas. Poucas páginas demonstraram preocupação com critérios de qualidade, tanto da construção quanto do conteúdo. A maior parte das informações não está baseada em evidências e que podem trazer danos ao paciente. Há necessidade de melhorar a qualidade das páginas Web que abordam o tema.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the information about breast self examination available on the Internet. Methods: A descriptive documental study was performed via a search on the Google®and Yahoo® websites using the phrase "breast self examination" in Portuguese, and the first 50 results from each site were analyzed using the criteria of the American Medical Association and Health on the Net. Results: 68 sites were selected and analyzed. Most of the sites were in the commercial domain, six were governmental sites and five were Portuguese sites. More than half had restrictions regarding criteria of authority and authorship; 61% did not have contact details and 52.94% considered breast self exam as part of a set of measures; 26.47% had correct and complete evidence-based content; 33.82% had context references. Government WebPages of health or professional institutions had restrictions regarding content or presentation. Conclusions: The information about breast self exam is heterogeneous. Only a small number of websites were concerned about quality criteria, both in terms of construction and content. The bulk of the information available is not evidence-based and there is potentially dangerous information for the patient. It is necessary to improve the quality of websites dealing with breast self exam.

Conocimientos de los factores de riesgo sobre cáncer de mama en Puerto La Cruz, estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela / Knowledge of the risk factors more about breast cancer in puerto la cruz, state of Anzoátegui. Venezuela

Introducción: el cáncer de mama es un problema de salud en el mundo; en Venezuela, ocupa la segunda causa de muerte en la población femenina. Objetivo: determinar el conocimiento sobre cáncer de mama. Pacientes y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal con 1 525 mujeres entre 25 y 64 años que acudieron a la consulta de Barrio Adentro I, del Municipio Puerto La Cruz, Estado Anzoátegui, en el período comprendido entre julio del 2005-julio 2006. Resultados: las variables fueron analizadas predominando el nivel educacional primario y como ocupación ama de casa. El conocimiento acerca de los factores de riesgo para el cáncer de mama fue muy pobre. No conocen el procedimiento para efectuarse el autoexamen de mama; sin embargo, refieren que su examen sirve para prevenir el cáncer mamario. Acuden a consulta solo cuando tienen algún síntoma, a pesar de que nunca realizan un control médico. Refieren que el control frecuente de las mamas es importante. Las fuentes de información para el conocimiento del cáncer de mama fueron los vecinos y/o familiares y no así el personal de salud. Conclusiones: la falta de conocimiento acerca del cáncer de mama pudiera estar en relación con la dificultad para la identificación de los factores de riesgo y la pobre asistencia a la consulta de control médico. Recomendaciones: diseñar e implementar un plan de acción, evaluando este para que brinde su aporte al aumento del conocimiento de la enfermedad en estudio(AU)

Introduction: breast cancer is a main health problem in the world, as in Venezuela, holding the second death cause in female population. Objective: to determine actual knowledge about breast cancer. Patients and Methods : a descriptive work was carried out with 1525 women in the age range from 25 to 64, who attended our Barrio Adentro doctor´s office in Puerto La Cruz, state of Anzoßtegui, from July 2005 to July 2006. Results: variables were analyzed: elementary school educational level and housewives prevailed. Knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer was poor. They didn't know the self-examination procedure. Nevertheless they knew that test is for breast cancer prevention. Turned to practice only when symptoms appear, even though didn't make a medical control. They said that breast frequent control is important. Information sources for breast cancer knowledge were relatives and/or neighbors and not healthcare personal. Conclusions: lack of knowledge about breast cancer could be related to difficult identification of risk factors and low attendance to medical control practice. Recommendations: to design and set up an action plan, evaluate it, in order to contribute the studied disease knowledge increase(AU)

Conocimientos de los factores de riesgo sobre cáncer de mama en Puerto La Cruz, estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela / Knowledge of the risk factors more about breast cancer in puerto la cruz, state of Anzoátegui Venezuela

Introducción: el cáncer de mama es un problema de salud en el mundo; en Venezuela, ocupa la segunda causa de muerte en la población femenina. Objetivo: determinar el conocimiento sobre cáncer de mama. Pacientes y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal con 1 525 mujeres entre 25 y 64 años que acudieron a la consulta de Barrio Adentro I, del Municipio Puerto La Cruz, Estado Anzoátegui, en el período comprendido entre julio del 2005-julio 2006. Resultados: las variables fueron analizadas predominando el nivel educacional primario y como ocupación ama de casa. El conocimiento acerca de los factores de riesgo para el cáncer de mama fue muy pobre. No conocen el procedimiento para efectuarse el autoexamen de mama; sin embargo, refieren que su examen sirve para prevenir el cáncer mamario. Acuden a consulta solo cuando tienen algún síntoma, a pesar de que nunca realizan un control médico. Refieren que el control frecuente de las mamas es importante. Las fuentes de información para el conocimiento del cáncer de mama fueron los vecinos y/o familiares y no así el personal de salud. Conclusiones: la falta de conocimiento acerca del cáncer de mama pudiera estar en relación con la dificultad para la identificación de los factores de riesgo y la pobre asistencia a la consulta de control médico. Recomendaciones: diseñar e implementar un plan de acción, evaluando este para que brinde su aporte al aumento del conocimiento de la enfermedad en estudio.

Introduction: breast cancer is a main health problem in the world, as in Venezuela, holding the second death cause in female population. Objective: to determine actual knowledge about breast cancer. Patients and Methods : a descriptive work was carried out with 1525 women in the age range from 25 to 64, who attended our Barrio Adentro doctor´s office in Puerto La Cruz, state of Anzoátegui, from July 2005 to July 2006. Results: variables were analyzed: elementary school educational level and housewives prevailed. Knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer was poor. They didn't know the self-examination procedure. Nevertheless they knew that test is for breast cancer prevention. Turned to practice only when symptoms appear, even though didn't make a medical control. They said that breast frequent control is important. Information sources for breast cancer knowledge were relatives and/or neighbors and not healthcare personal. Conclusions: lack of knowledge about breast cancer could be related to difficult identification of risk factors and low attendance to medical control practice. Recommendations: to design and set up an action plan, evaluate it, in order to contribute the studied disease knowledge increase.