Early Detection of Breast Cancer: Breast Self -Examination or Breast Self- Awareness? Empirical Review and Implications for Nursing Practice

Emordi NA, Okankwu EA, Oji AL, Orukwowu U and Kue JB

Published on: 2023-08-07

Abstract

Recent decades have seen the rapid spread of breast cancer. While remedies or cure have been less scientifically confirmed, there is now a considerable and diverse literature on various preventive measures and possible care giving, including questions of early detection. Yet the practical implications of early detection are still contested as there is contention between “breast self -examination” (BSE) and “breast self- awareness” (BSA). Importantly, the contexts within which early detection is situated is rapidly changing, bringing new challenges to the understanding of breast self -examination and breast self- awareness. This paper explores such relationship, to understand the ways in which poor awareness has become a problem and why such awareness is necessary. It raises the question; is it breast self -examination or breast self- awareness? To answer this question, we conducted an empirical review of seminal qualitative data in the broad themes of breast cancer drawn from multiple sources; World Health Organization (WHO), World Cancer Report, American Cancer Society. Findings from our review show that while there is a longstanding notion of early detection, dominant practice has largely been on “breast self-examination” rather than “breast self-awareness”. This non- self- awareness inhibits an understanding of early detection, underlying root causes and possible curative measures. In the alternative, to fill the identified gaps beyond self -examination, this study proposes a research and policy agenda centered on a transformative approach to early detection, placing analysis of breast awareness at the center of enquiry. It draws conclusion and possible recommendations.