Bárbara A Núñez Fermín, María Eugenia Aponte-Rueda, Darshi Shah, Maybell Nieves, Thais M Rebolledo
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Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed knowledge across three domains: signs and symptoms, risk factors, and early detection methods. Correct responses were scored and categorized as high or low based on predefined thresholds. Awareness of BC symptoms was high, with 89.3% of participants recognizing breast lumps as a warning sign. However, only 9% demonstrated a high level of knowledge about risk factors, with obesity (54.8%) being the most commonly identified. Higher education levels were significantly associated with better knowledge of risk factors (p 0.04), and attendance at a breast clinic was correlated with higher knowledge of early detection. (p 0.04). Although awareness of BC symptoms and positive attitudes toward early detection were common, significant gaps remain in knowledge about risk factors and screening practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions that extend beyond raising awareness to promote health literacy and empower women with practical, actionable information.</p>","PeriodicalId":50246,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Education","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3000,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":"{\"title\":\"Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Assessment of Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Practices among Venezuelan Women.\",\"authors\":\"Bárbara A Núñez Fermín, María Eugenia Aponte-Rueda, Darshi Shah, Maybell Nieves, Thais M Rebolledo\",\"doi\":\"10.1007/s13187-025-02743-7\",\"DOIUrl\":null,\"url\":null,\"abstract\":\"<p><p>Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide, with higher mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 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Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Assessment of Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Practices among Venezuelan Women.
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide, with higher mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Venezuela, late-stage diagnosis remains common due to limited awareness, delayed health-seeking behaviors, and restricted access to early detection. This study aimed to assess Venezuelan women's knowledge of BC signs, symptoms, risk factors, and early detection methods, and explore associations between sociodemographic factors and knowledge levels. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 197 women attending outpatient services at Caracas University Hospital between April and August 2023. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed knowledge across three domains: signs and symptoms, risk factors, and early detection methods. Correct responses were scored and categorized as high or low based on predefined thresholds. Awareness of BC symptoms was high, with 89.3% of participants recognizing breast lumps as a warning sign. However, only 9% demonstrated a high level of knowledge about risk factors, with obesity (54.8%) being the most commonly identified. Higher education levels were significantly associated with better knowledge of risk factors (p 0.04), and attendance at a breast clinic was correlated with higher knowledge of early detection. (p 0.04). Although awareness of BC symptoms and positive attitudes toward early detection were common, significant gaps remain in knowledge about risk factors and screening practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions that extend beyond raising awareness to promote health literacy and empower women with practical, actionable information.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Cancer Education, the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) and the European Association for Cancer Education (EACE), is an international, quarterly journal dedicated to the publication of original contributions dealing with the varied aspects of cancer education for physicians, dentists, nurses, students, social workers and other allied health professionals, patients, the general public, and anyone interested in effective education about cancer related issues.
Articles featured include reports of original results of educational research, as well as discussions of current problems and techniques in cancer education. Manuscripts are welcome on such subjects as educational methods, instruments, and program evaluation. Suitable topics include teaching of basic science aspects of cancer; the assessment of attitudes toward cancer patient management; the teaching of diagnostic skills relevant to cancer; the evaluation of undergraduate, postgraduate, or continuing education programs; and articles about all aspects of cancer education from prevention to palliative care.
We encourage contributions to a special column called Reflections; these articles should relate to the human aspects of dealing with cancer, cancer patients, and their families and finding meaning and support in these efforts.
Letters to the Editor (600 words or less) dealing with published articles or matters of current interest are also invited.
Also featured are commentary; book and media reviews; and announcements of educational programs, fellowships, and grants.
Articles should be limited to no more than ten double-spaced typed pages, and there should be no more than three tables or figures and 25 references. We also encourage brief reports of five typewritten pages or less, with no more than one figure or table and 15 references.