Knowledge of Early Breast Cancer Detection, Attitudes, and Breast Self- Examination Practices Among Female University Students in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Early diagnosis goes a long way in enhancing survival especially in the environment where screening programmes are not systematically enforced. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is an important method for enhancing breast awareness and identifying abnormalities at an early stage. Objective: This study aims to assess knowledge regarding early detection of breast cancer, attitudes toward BSE, and the actual practice of BSE among female university students at Phenikaa University in Vietnam. Also, the research examines demographic and individual variables related to knowledge, attitude, and practises. Methods: It involved a descriptive cross-sectional study among the 398 female undergraduate students who were chosen through stratified random sampling. A structured, validated questionnaire measured breast cancer knowledge, attitudes toward BSE, and BSE practices. The analysis of the data was done on the level of descriptive statistics and tests of inference such as chi-square and logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was p < 0.05. Results: Among participants, 66.6% demonstrated adequate knowledge of early breast cancer detection. Most of the respondents (80.4 percent) used the Internet as the most popular source of information. Mean attitude score about BSE was 3.61 with the standard deviation of 0.523, which indicated that there was a positive attitude. Fifty-four-point five percent of the students were positive about BSE, but 30.2 percent had done BSE at least once, and 46.9 percent had performed BSE adequately. The technique that was recommended was unknown to many students, and the most frequently left out one was the axillary lymph node examination and nipple assessment. Academic major and personal history of breast problems also had a significant factor in terms of being related to knowledge. Personal history, family history of breast disease and overall knowledge were found to have a significant connexion with attitude. Academic major, personal history, knowledge and attitude were all factors that affected BSE practise. Conclusion: Knowledge and practise of BSE among female students of the university is insufficient in spite of the generally positive attitudes. Strengthening educational initiatives focused on breast cancer awareness and BSE skills is essential to improve early detection behaviors in this demographic.