JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Women in low-resource regions face a higher risk of breast cancer. Implementing a breast health initiative that promotes breast self-examination practice could aid in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer complications.

Objective:

The study aimed to explore and comprehend the experiences of women at high risk, focusing on their breast self-examination practice and the factors that influence their effectiveness in managing breast health.

Methods:

This research used a qualitative approach to perform semi-structured interviews with 11 high-risk women who have a family history of breast cancer, recruited from the oncology department of a hospital, using purposive and theoretical sampling during the August 2024 to April 2025 period. The analysis of the data was conducted through Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory approach to formulate a theoretical model for breast self-examination practices.

Results:

This study highlighted “Breast Health Education as a Motivator” as the core category for breast self-examination practice. Main factors included change in perceptions, change in attitude, and support from family, especially from the mother, which resulted in breast self-examination practice for early diagnosis of breast cancer and better living.

Conclusions:

Study enhances the body knowledge of the experiences of high-risk women for breast self-examination practice. Breast Health education is identified as a key motivator for breast self-examination practice. Recognizing connections can aid in the development of targeted educational intervention initiatives designed to improve breast self-examination habits. The study presents a thorough theoretical framework that sheds light on the processes, supports, and results linked to breast self-examination practices.