Actions for precocious detection of breast cancer: a study of the behavior of nursing students
Keywords:
Breast cancer, Nursing student, Detection.
Abstract
Knowledge of the risk factors and the breast self-exam are fundamental for precocious detection of breast cancer. In that perspective, the nurse, since graduation, plays an important role as health educator. This study aims to analyze the behavior of nursing students in relation to the measures for precocious detection of breast cancer. It is a research of descriptive-exploratory nature, accomplished with 100 nursing students from a university located in Fortaleza, using a structured questionnaire, during the year of 2005. The average age was between 18 and 22 years. Of the interviewees, only 29% had performed the self-exam, 38% underwent the clinical breast exam with the frequency recommended by health authorities -- annually. Only 3% had already undergone a mammogram, as their age group is not usually under risk. About 26% of students confirmed the existence of cases of breast cancer in the family. These results lead us to believe that it is necessary to create a teaching-learning system focused on the practice and development of self-care techniques, aiming to motivate students to perform the breast self-exam, as well as teaching that practice to women at large.Downloads
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Published
2008-07-01
How to Cite
Fernandes, A. F. C., Viana, C. D. M. R., Melo, E. M., & Silva, A. P. S. da. (2008). Actions for precocious detection of breast cancer: a study of the behavior of nursing students. Ciência, Cuidado E Saúde, 6(2), 215-222. https://doi.org/10.4025/ciencuidsaude.v6i2.4165
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Original articles
















