Exploring female medical students' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions related to breast cancer screening: a scoping review

Abstract

Early detection measures for breast cancer, such as breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammography, have considerable benefits in effectively reducing breast cancer-related mortality. As the incidence of breast cancer is steadily increasing, it is crucial to raise awareness on early detection. This scoping review assessed the current knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of breast cancer screening among female medical students. We used the six phases of Arksey and O'Malley's framework from the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) template. Our analysis included 43 articles from Google Scholar and PubMed search engines, focusing on female medical students. Our results showed that most female medical students had a satisfactory level of knowledge about the most common signs, symptoms, and early detection methods of breast cancer. Generally, their attitude and perceptions were positive regarding breast cancer-related preventive measures. However, the level of practice was reduced. Further efforts are necessary to promote and improve the practice of breast self-examination, clinical breast exams, and mammography among female medical students. Potential interventions could include modifications to the medical curriculum and social media campaigns to enhance engagement and adoption of these practices.

Keywords: BC – breast cancer; BCS – breast cancer screening; BSE – breast self-exam; CBE – clinical breast exam; DCIS- ductal carcinoma in situ; HBMS – Health Belief Model Scale; IMPC- invasive micropapillary carcinoma; MMG – mammography; MRI- magnetic resonance imaging; NST- non-specific type carcinoma; PRISMA-ScR – Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping Reviews; breast cancer; breast self-exam; knowledge; medical students; practice.

Figure 1

PRISMA Flow Diagram