Rediet Abebe Mekonnen^1,, Tewodros Kassahun Tarekegn^2,, Yonas Tigabu Fetle³, Helen Assefa Berhe³, Rediet Habtu Lebelo⁴, Erdachew Gallo Beyene⁵, Yeabsera Abebe Gebrehiwot⁶, Tereza Mulatu Tafesse², Teame Kiflom Gaim⁷, Salem Sium Mesfin⁷, Yeabsira Yitbarek Haile¹, Michael Million Minase⁶, Solomon Endale Dagnachew², Eyerusalem Teshome Darka⁸, Haileyesus Teshome Yitafer⁹

Background: A group of disorders known as cancer are characterized by unchecked cell growth and division. Despite the growing prevalence of breast cancer in Ethiopia, studies on the knowledge and associated factors of the backbone of preventative measures, breast self-examination, are scarce. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that arises from breast cells. Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge and related factor of female patients towards breast self-examination at Semit health center. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study were conducted on women living in Addis Ababa the data were collected using a self-administered written questionnaire. The sampling technique was convenient sampling, Data analysis was made using descriptive statistical methods. Findings were presented with simple frequency, Percentage, graph, and table. Result: The survey included 200 respondents in total. Only 72 (36.0%) of them had good knowledge of this. It was discovered that occupational position and thorough awareness of BSE were factors influencing breast self-examination. The vast majority of study participants—156 out of 78.0—stated that there was no family history of breast cancer. Three (1.5) of the individuals claimed that their aunts had breast cancer, whereas three (1.5) claimed that their moms had the disease. Only 44 (22.0) of the individuals had previously disclosed having breast cancer. Conclusion: In our survey, more than half of participants made a significant case for women's inadequate understanding, negative attitudes, and poor practices about BSE. Along with a breast cancer awareness campaign, it was advised that emphasis be placed on improving women's attitudes and practices about breast self-examination and enhancing the implementation of comprehensive, systematic, and ongoing BSE educational programs. Recommendation: As results show the practice of BSE and knowledge among these reproductive age group women was inadequate. Efforts should be made to strengthen community-based health education to increase knowledge related to breast cancer as well as the practice of breast self-examination. So, the Federal Ministry of Health and Ethiopian cancer association were responsible bodies to promote awareness creation at the community level on breast cancer and breast self-examination. Finally, additional community-based research should be needed for the future to improve.

Knowledge, Practice, Breast self-examination, associated Factors, Ethiopia