Breast cancer risk factors

Abstract

Background: To assess the level of awareness of risk factors of breast carcinoma among women of reproductive age group (15-45 years). Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study 100 female patients, presented in Gynaecology and Obstetrics OPD’s for their regular antenatal checkup or some gynecological issues, were included. They were not cases of any breast disease or carcinoma breast. Attendants accompanying patients, subject presenting with sign and symptoms suggestive of any breast disease and women with any patient of carcinoma breast in immediate family were excluded. Patient’s awareness was assessed by formal interview in which intrinsic, extrinsic risk factors and common myths regarding breast cancer were interpreted among women of reproductive age group. Based on the correctness of the responses of the study participants, to operationalize their knowledge into a quantitative indicator, a scoring system was devised. Result: Awareness about carcinoma breast varies with 46.66% had adequate knowledge. Almost 50% patients had some awareness regarding risk factors of breast CA with familial predisposition (31.5%), increasing age (19%), breast feeding influence (22.5%), obesity (36.7%) and smoking (44.4 %).The mean score of the knowledge in the sample was -0.54 (+ 5.21), the lowest being -12 and highest attained was +8.Statistically significant association of formal education with knowledge was determined (p=0.009). Conclusion: Majority of participants had limited knowledge about risk factors of breast cancer.