Abstract:
Background: In 2012, 1.7 million of females were detected to have breast cancer around
the world, and globally the survival from breast cancer for five years numbered 6.3million.
Incidence still remains high in many advanced countries; mortality rate is very high in the
developing countries due to the absence of early screening mechanisms and the absence of
better management of Breast cancers cases.
Aim: This study explored practice of Breast self-Examination among Health care
professionals at Rwanda Military Hospital.
Methods: Non experimental research design using quantitative approach has been used to
answer the research questions. A random sampling strategy was used to select a sample of
184 healthcare professionals (nurses, midwives and physicians) after their consent to
participate. Data were collected using a questionnaire as a tool and analyzed using
descriptive and inferential statistics by using SPSS version 21.
Results:A total of 184 respondents participated in the study, the findings of the study show
that the practice of healthcare professionals was low accounting for 42.4%however most of
them had a positive perceptions about BSE. This study revealed that respondents who
reported early detection of breast cancer were two times more likely to practice breast selfexamination
than who did not report it (OR=2.085, CI= 1.033-4.209, P=0.040). Among
those who reported fear of breast cancer were more than two times more likely to practice
breast self- examination than those who do not fear of cancer. Always postponing have a
53.9% reduction in the odd of practicing breast self- examination relative to those who do
not postpone (OR=0.461, CI= 0.229-0. 930, P=0.031).
Conclusion: There is a very urgent need for regular update and professional continuous
education for healthcare professionals concerning the importance of breast self-examination
and procedures allowing them to perform it regularly.
