Breast self-examination practice and its impact on breast cancer diagnosis in Alexandria, Egypt.

This study estimated the frequency of breast-self examination practice and its possible relation to the stage of the disease at diagnosis and patient-related delay in diagnosis among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Breast self-examination was practiced in 10.4% of cases. It was performed by patients from higher socioeconomic levels and those with a positive family history of breast cancer or benign breast mass. There was significant association between failure to practise breast self-examination and diagnostic delay. We emphasize the need for breast self-examination awareness campaigns as a key measure for ensuring earlier diagnosis and hence better prognoses for breast cancer patients in our community.