Early detection of self-breast examination using smartphone breast application

Breast Dis. 2024;43(1):135-144. doi: 10.3233/BD-249004.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast self-examination (BSE) is a screening method that can help empower, raise awareness, and detect breast abnormalities in women. The use of smartphone applications for breast cancer early detection is able to overcome some of these barriers. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of the effect of using smartphone application-based technology on breast cancer.

Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed, Proquest, and ScienceDirect were searched for "breast self-examination" and "smartphone application" literature. This literature's study designs were quasi-experimental, prospective cohort, qualitative, and systematic review. The study contained five unique research projects with 828 varied participants.

Results: The use of smartphones was seen to have advantages in terms of increased knowledge, perceived vulnerability, barriers to breast self-examination (BSE), self-efficacy, health motivation, and BSE practices.

Conclusions: The utilization of smartphone apps related to BSE is shown through the availability, accessibility, and focus of information and is in line with the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Keywords: BSE; Breast cancer; smartphone application.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Breast Self-Examination*
  • Early Detection of Cancer* / methods
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Self Efficacy
  • Smartphone*