A study on awareness of Breast Carcinoma amongst the women aged 15 years and above in Urban slums of Turbhe, Navi Mumbai

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is second most important cancer among Indian women. In India, the number of new breast cancer cases is about 115,000 per year. Although risk factors are not much prevalent as in western countries, incidence rate is increasing in India. Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. Objectives: Present study has the objective to assess the level of awareness about Carcinoma Breast and to study the knowledge and practice regarding screening methods of breast carcinoma Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 160 women aged 15 years & above by simple random sampling. Pretested preformed questionnaire was used. Verbal consent was taken prior to interview. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20 & MS Office Excel 2007. Results: 58.7% women had no knowledge regarding breast carcinoma. 93.12% women had no knowledge regarding risk factors of it. Only 8 women had knowledge about Breast Self Examination and amongst them only 2 practice it. Only 2 women had knowledge about mammography and MRI as screening method. Conclusion: Majority of women had no knowledge regarding Risk factors & Screening methods of Breast Ca. Education has positive impact on knowledge of symptoms of breast carcinoma. Keywords: breast carcinoma, breast self examination, screening methods