Predictors of Breast Self-Examination among Urban Poor Women Aged 40-54 in Selected Barangays in Paco, Manila

Abstract

Cancer is the third leading cause of death in the Philippines, and the breast is the leading site for cancer among females consistently for the last decade. Breast selfexamination is the only viable and cost-effective population screening method for breast cancer in the country. This study seeks to determine the prevalent risk factors for breast cancer, the BSE background and BSE frequency in the past twelve months, and the significant predictors of BSE among urban poor women aged 40 to 54 in selected barangays in Paco, Manila. Data was collected from 121 Filipino urban poor women, aged 40 to 54, residing in Barangays S21, 822, 823, 824, 826, 827, and 828 of Paco, Manila, using a pretested, interviewer-administered survey questionnaire designed for this study. This study finds that four risk factors are prevalent: use of oral contraceptives, history of smoking, family history of breast cancer, and medical history of a cyst or breast lump. Screening rates are below optimal levels, compared to the city and the national rates, and even compared to Filipino-Americans and other Asian women. There are no significant differences among the socio-demographic variables with regard to practice of BSE. Among health belief variables, only the lack of perceived barriers is a significant predictor of the practice of BSE, whether regular or irregular, in the past twelve months, accounting for 19% of the variance in BSE behavior. Recommendations are given for the Philippine Cancer Control Program, health policy and program planning, and future research directions.